What is Level 1 of peer review focused on?

Level 1 of peer review primarily focuses on chart screening and criteria establishment. This stage is essential for ensuring that the basic documentation and coding practices meet established standards and regulations. At this level, reviewers typically assess medical records to ensure they are complete, accurate, and reflect the appropriate level of care provided to patients according to specific criteria.

In this phase, the goal is to identify any discrepancies or areas needing improvement in record-keeping practices, which forms the foundation for further layers of review. By establishing clear criteria, healthcare organizations can guide subsequent quality assurance processes more effectively.

The other options, while relevant to quality management in healthcare, are not the primary focus at Level 1. Identifying training needs pertains to skill enhancement and educational requirements among staff, analyzing patient outcomes is more advanced and focuses on the effectiveness of care, and conducting employee performance reviews is related to human resources rather than direct patient care evaluation.