President and CEO ENT Centers of the Ozarks Springdale, AR, United States
Disclosure(s):
R. Peter Manes, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Lance A. Manning, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This panel presentation will provide attendees with a distinct look into the Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) survey process. This process is utilized by Medicare to determine the Relative Value Unit (RVU) valuation for all CPT codes. We will review why certain codes undergo the survey process and delineate the specific steps clinicians have to go through when filling out the survey. Understanding of this is critical, as the data gained from these surveys directly affects the final RVU determination by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This is the physicians primary opportunity to provide information regarding the work and worth of procedures. These surveys can often be confusing and are often are ignored by physicians. Typical survey response rates hover around 1%. This presentation will provide education regarding the best way to think about these surveys, and will encourage participants to take part in this process.
OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: To explain the structure of the RUC process and how CPT codes come up for review.
OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: To examine the RUC survey so participants can provide accurate data regarding the time/effort needed to perform procedures.
OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: To encourage participation in the RUC survey process, which has a direct impact on reimbursement.
BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The RUC survey process directly affects reimbursement for all ENT's. Education regarding this process is vital, as the survey can be quite confusing and we often see contradictory data provided.
