Rewriting Internal Guidelines: What We Kept, What We Killed Article Reference Code: NAMAS.09.11.2026 Written by: Stephanie Thebarge, CPC, CPCO, CPMA, CPPM, CPB, CEMC, CHONC In my line of work, I’m always looking at the bigger picture. As auditors and compliance professionals, we spend our days identifying risk, questioning processes, and challenging assumptions. One phrase, however,…
Auditing from the Trenches: Spotting OIG Red Flags Before the Feds Do Article Reference Code: NAMAS.09.04.2026 Written by: Dannilla Morgan, CPC, CBCS The modern auditing landscape has shifted dramatically, moving far away from the days of manual, randomized chart selections driven by simple bad luck or an isolated patient dispute. Today, the Office of Inspector…
Behavioral Health Audits: Looking Beyond the Individual Progress Note Article Reference Code: NAMAS.08.21.2026 Written by: Sonda J. Kunzi, CPC, CPB, CRC, COC, CPPM, CPCO, CPMA, CPC-I You reviewed the note. The diagnosis is present. The CPT code is supported. The required time is documented. Everything looks fine. Then a recoupment request arrives. This is the…
Auditor Confidential: What I’d Tell a New Auditor if I Could Be Honest Article Reference Code: NAMAS.08.14.2026 Written by: Laidy Martinez, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CEMC, CGSC, CGIC, CASCC When people hear the word auditor, they often think of someone whose job is to find mistakes. I’ve heard comments like, “The auditor is looking for something…
Educator Fatigue: Repeating Yourself Without Losing Your Spark Article Reference Code: NAMAS.08.07.2026 Written by: Alicia Scott, CPC, CPC-I, CRC, QPIN If you’ve ever watched Groundhog Day, you’ve seen a character trapped in the same 24 hours on repeat, slowly shifting from irritation to insight. In many ways, coding auditors and CDI/provider educators live a professional version…