What role do contractors play in the RADV audit process?

Contractors play a crucial role in the RADV audit process by conducting the audits on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This involves reviewing medical records, confirming the accuracy of submitted diagnoses, and ensuring that the data used for risk adjustment is valid and meets regulatory requirements. The contractors' expertise in evaluating healthcare records and compliance with CMS standards is vital in maintaining the integrity of the risk adjustment process, which ultimately impacts Medicare reimbursement.

The other options, while related to different aspects of healthcare or audits, do not accurately describe the primary responsibility of contractors in this context. For example, while preparing health plans for audits or managing legal disputes may be part of the broader audit ecosystem, they do not reflect the core function of contractors in directly executing and performing the audits themselves.