The primary purpose of the RADV program is to

RADV (Risk Adjustment Data Validation) is a CMS audit program used in Medicare Advantage to confirm that diagnoses submitted for risk adjustment are supported by medical record documentation and meet reporting requirements. Its central aim ispayment integrity—ensuring that risk-adjusted capitation payments to Medicare Advantage organizations are accurate based on valid, documented conditions. In outpatient CDI practice, RADV risk underscores why documentation must clearly support each reported diagnosis (e.g., condition evaluated/assessed/treated, clinically relevant, and properly documented by an eligible provider), because unsupported diagnoses can lead to payment recoupment and compliance exposure. RADV is not designed to assess medical necessity of the services provided (that is typically addressed through utilization review and other payer audits), nor is it focused on identifying overpayments to individual physicians (it targets plan-level risk adjustment payments). It also is separate from E/M leveling accuracy, which is governed by CPT/E/M guidelines and distinct audit processes. Therefore, the best definition of RADV’s primary purpose is ensuring the integrity and accuracy of risk-adjusted payments.