Resident Knowledge of Charges: Are We Asking the Right Questions?

Physician knowledge of costs and charges for medical services is thought to have substantial relevance for cost containment. Unfortunately, numerous studies have demonstrated the difficulties in using educational techniques to improve knowledge and reduce charges. Furthermore, reductions in charges, when achieved, have not correlated with improved physician knowledge. The authors examined several methods of ascertaining physician knowledge of charges and they suggest that previous methods may have been too insensitive. Previous reports may have underestimated physician knowledge of costs and charges.