AP Audit Trends 2025

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Premier Cost Recovery audited healthcare systems in eight states. The goal was simple. Identify overpayments, recover lost dollars, and provide insights that help clients strengthen internal processes.

Supplier returns once again ranked highest in terms of recovered overpayments. These often go unnoticed when returned items are not properly communicated between Supply Chain and AP. Item pricing errors were the most frequent issue overall, averaging 61 instances per audit and pointing to the need for tighter contract and pricing controls.

We also saw a clear shift in how clients approach audits. Every client chose remote audits, reflecting a strong preference for flexibility and minimal disruption. PO usage also increased, signaling more structured purchasing and a growing focus on policy compliance.

This data does more than explain where overpayments happen. It helps our clients understand what needs to change to prevent them.

Our infographic breaks down recovery percentages by category, average overpayment findings, and emerging client behavior trends. These insights highlight not just areas of risk, but also the progress being made toward stronger financial practices.