Are Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons Adequately Compensated for Longer Procedures? An Analysis of Relative Value Units and Operative Times From the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

Background: The physician work relative value unit (wRVU) scale is the primary determinant of compensation. Operative time, technical skill, effort, and surgical complexity contribute to wRVU allocation. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between these factors and reimbursement for trauma procedures. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for orthopaedic trauma procedures from 2016 to 2018. Physician wRVU data were obtained from the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services fee schedule. The primary outcome measured was mean wRVU per minute of operative time (wRVU/min). Wilcoxon rank sum test and quantile regression were used to determine the association between wRVU, operative time, complication rate, upper or lower extremity procedure, and wRVU/min. Results: Sixty-three current procedural terminology codes or 107,171 cases were queried. Median wRVU/min was significantly lower for longest 50% of procedures (0.119 vs. 0.160, P
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Article Source Type: research