What does effective documentation ensure during a RADV audit?

Effective documentation in the context of a RADV audit is crucial because it establishes a clear and accurate connection between the clinical care provided to patients and the diagnoses that are documented in their medical records. This alignment ensures that the coded information reflects the true complexity of the patient's health status, which is essential for appropriate risk adjustment.

When clinical care and documentation are aligned, it provides the audit team with a clear view of the patient's medical history and justifies the need for the services provided. This alignment is vital for validating the accuracy of the risk adjustment data reported, which directly impacts payment models and ensures that organizations are appropriately reimbursed for the care they deliver.

Other options do not encapsulate the primary importance of documentation during a RADV audit. While accurate billing is important, the primary focus in the audit context is on the relationship between clinical care and diagnostic documentation rather than just billing practices. Similarly, emphasizing only essential services or limiting documentation to coding specialists overlooks the collaborative nature of clinical documentation, which involves multiple healthcare providers and their input in capturing a patient's full health picture.