Final answer:
A compilation or average of physician fees over a given period is known as a fee schedule or physician fee schedule, which is a crucial element in the healthcare billing process and can influence physician productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The compilation or average of physician fees over a given period is typically referred to as a fee schedule or physician fee schedule. This schedule is used by health insurers and medical providers to determine payment for healthcare services provided to patients. It is an important component in the medical billing process, as it outlines the agreed-upon rates for services between healthcare providers and insurers. These fee schedules are often based on historical data and can vary by geographical location, the type of healthcare provider, or the medical services rendered.
Physician productivity and fee-for-service models can directly impact these schedules, as noted in studies such as the one published in the American Journal of Medicine and another in the Journal of Health Economics. In these contexts, the fee schedule is important not only for billing and reimbursement but also as a benchmark for evaluating physician productivity within different healthcare models.