Coding Discrepancies In Optometry.

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze coding patterns across the state of
Michigan. Is there is a general consensus on how to code, or are there are a lot of
discrepancies between optometrists? The design of this study is to have a "paper patient"
case that each doctor will read and then code. The patient case will not be based on a real
patient and the case will be completely fictitious. The case will give extensive information about the exam and at the end of the case the optometrist will be asked to code the case as if it was an actual patient that presented to the office. Methods: The sample size will be 500 optometrists from the state of Michigan. The case will be sent via email to optometrists in the Michigan Optometric Association database. The email will
contain a consent form and a link to the "paper patient" case. The exam elements and results will be detailed and the optometrists will be asked how to code the case. One week was given to fill out a response to the case. Results: 45.3% of the optometrists who participated coded the case correctly. In addition, optometrists in a group-practice coded correctly the most often at 52.6%.