1. What is RVU Calculation?

The Relative Value Unit (RVU) calculation is used to measure the value of medical services. It consists of three components: work RVU (wRVU), practice expense RVU (peRVU), and malpractice RVU (mpRVU). The total RVU is used to determine physician reimbursement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RVU formula:

Where:

• \( \text{wRVU} \) — Work Relative Value Unit
• \( \text{peRVU} \) — Practice Expense Relative Value Unit
• \( \text{mpRVU} \) — Malpractice Relative Value Unit

Explanation: The calculator looks up the RVU components for a given CPT code and sums them to get the total RVU value.

3. Importance of RVU Calculation

Details: RVU calculation is essential for determining fair reimbursement for medical services, practice management, and productivity measurement in healthcare.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter a valid CPT code to retrieve its RVU components and total value. Common evaluation and management codes are preloaded in the database.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical RVU for a 99213 office visit?
A: A 99213 visit typically has a total RVU of about 1.55 (wRVU 0.97 + peRVU 0.48 + mpRVU 0.10).

Q2: How often are RVU values updated?
A: RVU values are typically updated annually by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).

Q3: Can I use this for all CPT codes?
A: This calculator includes common evaluation and management codes. For a complete database, consult the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.

Q4: How is RVU used in physician compensation?
A: Many practices use RVUs to measure physician productivity and determine compensation based on work performed.

Q5: What's the difference between wRVU and total RVU?
A: wRVU measures only the physician work component, while total RVU includes practice expenses and malpractice costs.