wRVU values for radiology exams

Use this spreadsheet to simplify your analysis

More radiology practices are starting to look at incorporating salary incentives based on productivity using the work RVU (wRVU). The wRVU is a value assigned to each radiology procedure that relates to Medicare revenue to the radiology practice. Some radiologists are paid entirely on a wRVU basis, so their income is based on a formula like: income = dollars-per-wRVU x # total wRVU. This compensation structure is commonly described as RVU-based compensation, but the "RVU" referenced in that phrase relates to the wRVU, not the total RVU value which is commonly higher.

There are strong pros and cons associated with RVU-based compensation. For example, while wRVU bonuses incentivize productivity, the wRVU does not reflect the complexity of a case, which can dramatically modulate the time required to read the case. Other routine fluoroscopic and ultrasound-based procedures that are required to hold a hospital contract generate low wRVU values relative to the amount of procedure time.

In addition to understanding the benefits and drawbacks of RVU-based compensation, radiologists must increasingly be aware of what the wRVU values are for the studies they read. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS.gov) is the definitive source for this information. If you have the CPT code for a procedure, you can look up the work RVU using the CMS Search Tool.

To simplify your exploration, we've downloaded and posted the wRVU for all radiology procedures. Click on the link to open a Google Sheet with all wRVU values for radiology procedures. Use Control-F (PC) or Command-F (PC) to search for any particular procedure.

—Orbit Staff