The Relative Value Unit: History, Current Use, and Controversies

Amanjit Baadh, Yuri Peterkin, Melanie Wegener, Jonathan Flug, Douglas Katz, Jason C. Hoffmann

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

The relative value unit (RVU) is an important measuring tool for the work performed by physicians, and is currently used in the United States to calculate physician reimbursement. An understanding of radiology RVUs and current procedural terminology codes is important for radiologists, trainees, radiology managers, and administrators, as this knowledge would help them to understand better their current productivity and reimbursement, as well as controversies regarding reimbursement, and permit them to adapt to reimbursement changes that may occur in the future. This article reviews the components of the RVU and how radiology payment is calculated, highlights trends in RVUs and resultant payment for diagnostic and therapeutic imaging and examinations, and discusses current issues involving RVU and current procedural terminology codes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)128-132
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Volume45
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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