1. What is wRVU?

Work Relative Value Unit (wRVU) is a measure of physician work associated with a specific medical procedure or service, as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It's part of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) used to determine physician reimbursement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the CPT code to look up the corresponding wRVU value from the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule database:

Where:

• CPT Code — Current Procedural Terminology code for the medical service
• wRVU — Work Relative Value Unit assigned to that CPT code

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

3. Importance of wRVU Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter a valid 5-digit CPT code to retrieve its corresponding wRVU value. Common evaluation and management codes are pre-loaded in the database.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where do wRVU values come from?
A: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishes wRVU values through the RBRVS system, which is updated annually.

Q2: Do wRVU values change over time?
A: Yes, CMS reviews and may adjust wRVU values annually based on new data about physician work.

Q3: Are wRVU values the same for all payers?
A: While Medicare sets the standard, private payers may use slightly different values, though most follow Medicare's lead.

Q4: What's the difference between wRVU and total RVU?
A: Total RVU includes work (wRVU), practice expense, and malpractice components. wRVU only measures physician work.

Q5: How are wRVUs used in physician compensation?
A: Many practices use wRVUs to measure productivity, with compensation often tied to wRVU production.