Use of statistical analysis in assessing appropriate documentation and coding.

This article examines how simple descriptive statistical and graphing techniques may be used in compliance efforts. Specifically, we propose the following three-step process: (1) Retrospective review of external data--Where do I stand? (2) Retrospective use of internal data--How can I improve? and (3) Prospective use of external and internal data--How can I avoid future problems? Findings suggest that when examining charges and length of stay (LOS) data, box plots are useful in retrospective analysis in identifying both over and under charges and LOS. Run charts are useful in prospective analysis of data in setting benchmark standards for evaluation.