Question

Define the three elements of the RBRVS RVU. Illustrate how these elements are used to determine a reimbursement amount for physicians and other health professionals.

a) Work, Practice, Malpractice
b) Work, Time, Complexity
c) Work, Overhead, Expertise
d) Work, Facility, Equipment

Answer 1

The RBRVS RVU consists of three elements: Work, Practice Expense, and Malpractice, which are combined to calculate a reimbursement amount for medical services by applying a conversion factor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The three elements of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) Relative Value Unit (RVU) are Work, Practice Expense, and Malpractice. These elements are used to determine the reimbursement amount for physicians and other health professionals by assigning a value to the amount of work, the expense of maintaining a practice, and the cost of malpractice insurance associated with providing a medical service. The total RVU is calculated by adding the values of these three components and then multiplying by a conversion factor to convert the RVU into a dollar amount.

For example, if the Work RVU for a particular procedure is 1.2, the Practice Expense RVU is 0.8, and the Malpractice RVU is 0.1, the Total RVU would be 2.1 (1.2 + 0.8 + 0.1). If the conversion factor is $35, then the reimbursement for the procedure would be $73.50 (2.1 RVUs x $35).