How does the RADV audit process affect patient care quality?

The reason choice C is the correct answer lies in the core objectives of the RADV audit process. The RADV audits are designed to ensure that the data reported by healthcare plans is accurate and reflects the true health status of patients. By promoting accurate reporting, the audits ensure that the health services provided are truly necessary and appropriate for the patients' needs. This focus on accurate and comprehensive documentation can lead to better care quality, as healthcare providers are incentivized to offer services that align with the patients' health profiles, ultimately fostering a system that prioritizes patient well-being rather than financial considerations alone.

In contrast, other options present scenarios that do not align with the goals of the RADV process. While the claims process might become more complex, this is secondary to the primary aim of ensuring appropriate healthcare delivery. Stricter patient eligibility could theoretically arise but is not a direct consequence of the RADV audits; they aim instead at accuracy in the reporting of already eligible patients. The notion that quality of care is reduced due to limitations on provider reimbursement misrepresents the intent of the RADV audits, since their goal is actually to enhance care quality through accurate representation of patient needs.