The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) aims to ensure that patients have access to high-quality healthcare services at an affordable price. CMS achieves the above-mentioned goal through the Children's Health Insurance Program, Medicaid, the Health Insurance Marketplace, and Medicare. As a result of the growing need to evaluate the efficiency of its services, CMS uses various interventions to verify all processes confined within the delivery of medical care. Accordingly, the essay discusses plan program audit as one of the methodologies adopted by CMS to evaluate its services. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The planning program audit approach is geared towards improving the delivery of health care services in accordance with the goals of Medicaid. The plan audit methodology consists of four phases: validation, universe engagement and presentation, fieldwork, and reporting. The entire audit process lasts twenty-two to forty-eight weeks, with a significant amount of time dedicated to the validation and closure phase (“Programme Audit”). The fieldwork phase is the most important phase of this methodology as it allows the CMS to acquire first-hand data from the selected sample. The plan-program approach is relatively effective because, through it, the CMS designs and implements evidence-based policies. However, there are some sections of the tool that need improvement. First, the audit intervention should consider increasing the time spent on fieldwork (investigations) from the current seven weeks to at least ten jobs ('Program audits'). The period will allow healthcare professionals and all stakeholders in the sector to ascertain the factors that prevent the CSM from achieving its intended objectives and, therefore, inform on the best course of action. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay In conclusion, planning the program audit intervention is among the main interventions adopted by CMS to verify the quality of its services. The methodology is divided into four phases which require over twenty-two weeks to complete. The program planning tool is relatively effective but can be improved by increasing the time dedicated to the fieldwork phase.