Top 6 Themes from FWA Program Assessments
Top 6 Themes from FWA Program Assessments
What common traits define the most effective FWA programs, and what patterns emerge among those that struggle? These were key questions at the heart of our 2025 year-end webinar, Behind the Curtain: What FWA Program Assessments Reveal, where Integrity Advantage’s President Jala Attia and Vice President Jessica Gay shared recurring themes seen across assessments. From unclear roles and underused technology to training gaps and missed collaboration opportunities, the challenges facing FWA programs have a real impact on performance.
The encouraging takeaway? The gaps identified in program assessments are solvable. With awareness, intentional action, and empowered teams, organizations can strengthen their FWA programs, reduce risk, and unlock untapped potential, proving that the insights derived from assessments can drive meaningful, lasting change.
THEME #1: CLARIFYING ROLES AND GOALS
One of the most common themes observed is a lack of clarity around job responsibilities. Assessments have revealed job descriptions do not accurately reflect the work being performed by team members. Without well-defined roles, team members become overwhelmed and uncertain about what is expected of them. Work product is often siloed and inadvertently duplicated, especially between investigations teams and medical review groups, which leads to inefficiencies, frustration, and missed opportunities.
💡When team members understand their responsibilities and how their work contributes to the bigger picture, efficiency and engagement naturally improve.
Relatedly, attention must be paid to setting individual and team goals. Assessments have revealed when goals are lacking, FWA program staff tend to feel undervalued and are more prone to burnout. Measurable goals should reflect more than return on investment (ROI) alone. They should account for the full value an FWA team provides, from uncovering trends to preventing improper payments.
THEME #2: BUILDING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Another common theme identified through assessments is the need for stronger skills and knowledge development across FWA teams. Training is a critical area for almost every team. Entry-level hires often come into FWA programs without foundational knowledge, and leaders hired from outside of the organization may lack an in-depth understanding of current FWA program operations. At Integrity Advantage, we advocate for layered learning opportunities. The following examples have been successful in strengthening FWA programs:
· Bootcamps for foundational skills that can be recorded and reused.
· Lunch-and-learns to share knowledge across teams and departments.
· Internal knowledge-sharing sessions to highlight expertise and encourage collaboration between newer and senior level staff.
· Free industry webinars and conferences for professional growth and continuing education credits.
By investing in structured and ongoing training, teams gain both the confidence and competence to perform at a higher level.
THEME #3: TRUST, COLLABORATION, AND COMMUNICATION
Assessments also reveal opportunities to strengthen trust, collaboration, and communication across teams. Teams often hesitate to share feedback or challenge each other. During the webinar, we stressed the importance of fostering a culture of respectful dissent, where team members can voice concerns and provide constructive feedback safely.
Encouraging team members to advocate for themselves and others can also have a significant impact. Acknowledging contributions, sharing knowledge, and celebrating successes helps everyone see the value they bring and strengthens overall team cohesion.
💡Teams that trust one another collaborate more effectively, and that’s when efficiency and innovation thrive.
THEME #4: LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY
While technology investments continue to grow, assessments highlight ongoing challenges in how tools are used day to day. Even the most advanced tools are only effective if teams know how to use them and can access the necessary data. Many organizations struggle with limited data access, underutilization of platforms, or lack of training.
We encourage leaders to hold their teams accountable for using technology effectively, pulling leads, analyzing trends, and turning insights into actionable steps. Proper use of tools helps teams work smarter, not harder.
THEME # 5: LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE AT EVERY LEVEL
Strong FWA programs consistently reflect leadership that shows up at every level, a theme reinforced through recent assessments. Leadership in FWA isn’t reserved for those with a formal title. Influence comes from taking initiative, sharing insights, contributing to training, or helping others grow. By stepping up, team members can create meaningful impact, both within their teams and across the organization.
💡Leadership isn’t about a title. It’s about action, influence, and making a difference no matter your role.
THEME #6: CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Looking beyond day-to-day operations, assessments highlight the role of professional growth in long-term FWA program success. Certifications enhance skills, expand networks, and help teams bring greater value to their organizations. Surprisingly many staff did not have the training support needed to grow.
TURNING INSIGHTS INTO ACTION
Program assessments can feel overwhelming, but their findings help identify and address gaps in manageable steps. Teams can prioritize initiatives, reevaluate responsibilities, and implement solutions iteratively turning assessment results into a clear, realistic roadmap rather than a one-time exercise. Even small, consistent improvements can strengthen a program, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable impact.
💡Start with small, incremental changes, collaborate with colleagues, and watch your FWA program succeed.
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS CAN DO:
· Clarify roles and align job expectations with measurable outcomes.
· Invest in layered training and knowledge sharing initiatives.
· Foster trust, encourage feedback, and recognize contributions.
· Ensure technology tools are used effectively to support insights and action.
· Encourage leadership and influence at all levels of the organization.
· Support professional growth through certifications and professional development opportunities.
Also, check out our article,
No Budget? No Problem: Creative Ways to Strengthen FWA Training This Holiday Season,
for low or no-cost team training ideas.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
FWA program assessments reveal patterns that are common across organizations, but they also reveal opportunity. By addressing gaps in roles, training, trust, and technology, organizations can strengthen their programs and unlock the full potential of their teams. Lastly, leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about taking action and driving meaningful change.
INTEGRITY ADVANTAGE IS HERE TO HELP
Whether it’s conducting FWA program assessments, strengthening internal processes, or guiding professional growth, Integrity Advantage partners with healthcare organizations nationwide to turn insights into action. Together, we help teams move from goals to measurable progress. Integrity Advantage is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).
YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR HEALTHCARE FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE SERVICES!
With more than 30 years of experience supporting payers, the team at Integrity Advantage provides healthcare fraud, waste and abuse consulting, outsourced investigations and medical record reviews for Special Investigations Units and other organizations fighting healthcare fraud. We are a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and an Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).
For more information click below, call us at 866-644-7799 or email info@integrityadvantage.com.