Practice management: A third-year clerkship experience

Background and Objectives: This report describes a curricular experience that introduces the basics of practice management to third-year family medicine students. The curriculum includes evidence-based medicine, managed care concepts and terminology, financial management terms and concepts, laws and legal issues, and insurance and coding. Methods: In 1999-2000, a three-session practice management curriculum was implemented in five family medicine third-year clerk-ship rotations at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wilmington site. The learning activities included readings, a "quiz show" game, and a patient practice-centered project. Results: Students reported greater knowledge and confidence in the selected topics. The practice management curriculum was positively evaluated overall. Conclusions: This interactive learning module for the family medicine students begins the process of incorporating practice management skills and knowledge.