A Study of the Relative Value Unit as a Practice Management Tool for Provider Productivity
Abstract
The Military Health System (MHS) currently uses work relative value units (RVU) to measure productivity of its providers. This nationally standardized scale is used by Medicare and many other third party payers and is a common source for work RVUs. The work RVU is intended to reflect the time to perform a service, technical skill and mental effort of a provider. This productivity measure is included in the Defense Health Program s (DHP) performance plan between the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health Affairs (ASD(HA)) along with the Army, Navy and Air Force Assistant Secretaries for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. It is one of many measures that articulate the expectations for the performance of DHP. This study was intended to explain how the RVU is calculated, and how it is used as a tool for evaluating provider productivity. The MHS calculates provider productivity per day by individual medical treatment facility (MTF). This study calculated productivity by individual provider for the entire Heidelberg Medical Activity (MEDDAC). This process uncovered data quality issues and allowed providers to evaluate their own performance. Additionally, this study revealed that though this measure is reliable, its validity is very dependent on coding accuracy and availability accuracy. It also revealed that a true benchmark of productivity should not be established until the administration processes are in place and streamlined to lessen the burden on the providers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 11, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA421282
Entities
People
- John St. Andrews
Organizations
- Army Medical Department