The effect of income projection on resident charges for services

This study examined how family practice residents coded their patient care services, and whether feedback on coding patterns together with income projections would alter coding behavior. Current and future income projections were calculated using assumptions about the practice setting. The collected and calculated data were presented to the residents after the study period, together with a discussion of coding of patient care services and fees. The same data were collected three months and nine months later. There was no significant difference in coding patterns when comparing first- to second- to third-year residents. Six months after the information was presented to the residents, the percentage of brief visits coded decreased significantly, and the percentages of intermediate and comprehensive visits coded increased significantly. Twelve months later, the changes in coding patterns had reverted to the initial findings. This appears to be an effective approach that could be used elsewhere to teach coding of patient care services as part of a practice management curriculum.