1. What is Work RVU?

Work Relative Value Units (wRVU) measure the physician work component of medical services. They are part of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) system used to determine physician reimbursement in the United States.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a lookup table to find the wRVU value associated with a specific CPT code:

Where:

• CPT Code — Current Procedural Terminology code representing a specific medical service
• wRVU — Work Relative Value Unit assigned to that service

Explanation: Each CPT code has an assigned wRVU value that represents the physician work involved in performing that service.

3. Importance of wRVU Calculation

Details: wRVU calculations are essential for physician compensation models, productivity measurement, practice management, and understanding the relative value of different medical services.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter a valid CPT code to retrieve its corresponding wRVU value. The database contains commonly used evaluation and management codes as well as procedure codes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between wRVU, pRVU, and mRVU?
A: wRVU measures physician work, pRVU measures practice expense, and mRVU measures malpractice expense. Total RVU is the sum of these three components.

Q2: How often are RVU values updated?
A: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) typically updates RVU values annually, though changes can occur more frequently for specific codes.

Q3: Are RVU values the same across all payers?
A: While Medicare uses a standardized system, private payers may use different RVU values or conversion factors.

Q4: Can I use this calculator for billing purposes?
A: This calculator provides estimates based on standard values. Always verify with current fee schedules and payer-specific guidelines for actual billing.

Q5: What if a CPT code is not found in the database?
A: The database includes common codes, but may not contain all possible CPT codes. Consult the current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for complete information.