Misclassification of POA statuses can occur due to inaccurate chart documentation or coding. Which mitigation is most appropriate?

• A. Increased chart documentation review
• B. Expanded data governance
• C. Targeted coder/clinician education and audits
• D. Use of encounter-based CDI only

Answer: (C)

Misclassification of POA statuses happens when chart documentation and coding aren’t precise about what was present on admission. The most effective way to fix this is targeted coder/clinician education and audits. Education clarifies POA criteria and how to document them correctly, so notes consistently reflect the true admission status. Audits then identify where errors are still occurring, provide concrete feedback, and drive focused improvements in documentation practices and coding decisions. This creates a continuous loop of learning and correction that directly reduces POA misclassification and improves data quality for reporting and reimbursement.

While increasing chart review or broad data governance play supportive roles, they aren’t as directly actionable for changing day-to-day documentation and coding behavior. Relying only on encounter-based CDI can miss systemic issues that audits bring to light.