Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)

Which of the following is a requirement for a RADV audit submission?

1. Records must include a list of unrelated past diagnoses

2. Records must be incomplete but cover essential information

3. Records must have a signature of the provider

4. Records can be handwritten without legibility

The correct answer is: Records must have a signature of the provider

For a Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) audit submission, it is crucial that the medical records presented contain a signature from the provider. This requirement ensures that the documentation is authenticated, verifying that the provider is acknowledging the contents and the accuracy of the records. A provider's signature is key in establishing accountability and legitimacy, which are essential for compliance and validation during the audit process. In the context of the options provided, signatures on medical records enhance the credibility of the information being submitted for risk adjustment. It serves as a legal affirmation and confirms that the data reflects the services provided, thereby assisting in the assessment of risk adjustment coding accuracy. Other options, such as including a list of unrelated past diagnoses or records being incomplete yet covering essential information, do not meet the stringent needs of RADV submissions, which require comprehensive and verifiable documentation to validate the risk adjustment claims made by providers. Similarly, handwritten records that lack legibility would not fulfill documentation requirements, as clear communication of patient information is paramount in audits.