Final answer:
The reimbursement mechanisms from 1989 to the present in the United States are governed by the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS). The RBRVS is a fee schedule used by Medicare to determine payment amounts for medical services. It assigns a relative value to each service based on the time, skill, and resources required.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, the reimbursement mechanisms from 1989 to the present are governed by the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS). The RBRVS is a fee schedule used by Medicare to determine payment amounts for medical services. It assigns a relative value to each service based on the time, skill, and resources required, as well as the geographic location where the service is provided.
Under the RBRVS, each service is assigned a relative value unit (RVU) that reflects the physician work, practice expense, and malpractice expense involved. These RVUs are then multiplied by a conversion factor to determine the payment amount for each service.
For example, a more complex and time-consuming procedure would have a higher RVU and therefore a higher payment amount. The RBRVS system helps ensure that healthcare providers are reimbursed fairly and accurately for the services they provide.