Medical Auditing Practice Exam

What does the OIG CIA agreement require as the minimum for an Independent Review Organization to conduct an audit?

1. A detailed report

2. A policy review

3. A financial review

4. A comprehensive audit plan

The correct answer is: A comprehensive audit plan

An Independent Review Organization (IRO) operating under a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is required to develop and execute a comprehensive audit plan as part of its obligations. This comprehensive audit plan is crucial because it lays out the specific strategies and methodologies that will be used to assess the compliance and operational effectiveness of the entities involved. The requirement for a comprehensive audit plan ensures that the audit process is thorough, systematic, and covers all necessary aspects of the organization's performance, including adherence to Medicare and Medicaid regulations. This is essential for identifying potential areas of risk and improving the overall integrity of the organization's operations. While detailed reports, policy reviews, and financial reviews are important components of an audit process, they are typically outcomes of the execution of a comprehensive audit plan rather than standalone requirements. A comprehensive audit plan provides the framework for these subsequent activities, ensuring that all critical areas are addressed and that the audit will meet the specific compliance goals mandated by the OIG.