Question 1

What is an RVU (Relative Value Unit)?

Accepted Answer

A Relative Value Unit (RVU) is a measure used by CMS to determine physician reimbursement. Each CPT code has three RVU components: work RVU (wRVU), practice expense RVU, and malpractice RVU. Work RVUs reflect the time, skill, and intensity required to perform a service.

Question 2

How do I calculate work RVUs (wRVUs)?

Accepted Answer

To calculate work RVUs, look up the CPT code for the service performed and find its assigned wRVU value from the CMS Physician Fee Schedule. Multiply the wRVU by the number of times you performed that service. Use an RVU calculator like wRVU Tracker to look up values instantly.

Question 3

What is a good daily wRVU target for hospitalists?

Accepted Answer

A typical hospitalist daily wRVU target ranges from 18-25 wRVUs per day, depending on patient volume, acuity, and contract structure. Annual targets typically range from 4,000-6,000 wRVUs. Use an RVU tracker to monitor your daily progress against targets.

Question 4

Where does CMS RVU data come from?

Accepted Answer

CMS publishes the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) annually, which includes RVU values for all CPT codes. The data includes work RVUs, practice expense RVUs, malpractice RVUs, and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs). wRVU Tracker uses official CMS data updated for the current year.

Question 5

How do I look up the RVU value for a CPT code?

Accepted Answer

Use a CPT code lookup tool like wRVU Tracker to search for any CPT code and find its RVU values. Enter the 5-digit CPT code or search by procedure description to instantly see work RVUs, practice expense RVUs, malpractice RVUs, and total RVUs from the official CMS Physician Fee Schedule.

Question 6

What is the best RVU tracker for physicians?

Accepted Answer

wRVU Tracker is an RVU tracking tool for physicians that includes an RVU calculator, CPT code lookup, daily RVU logger, and productivity analytics. It uses official CMS data and is designed for hospitalists, outpatient physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers. No credit card is required.

Question 7

How do I track my RVUs daily?

Accepted Answer

Use an RVU logger to record your CPT codes at the end of each shift or clinic session. A daily RVU logging tool like wRVU Tracker automatically calculates work RVUs, tracks cumulative totals, and monitors your progress toward annual targets. Log from any device - desktop, tablet, or phone.

Question 8

What is the difference between an RVU calculator and an RVU tracker?

Accepted Answer

An RVU calculator is a tool for looking up and calculating RVU values for individual CPT codes. An RVU tracker is a broader tool that monitors your RVU productivity over time, including daily logging, cumulative tracking, target monitoring, and analytics. wRVU Tracker includes both an RVU calculator and a full RVU tracking platform.

CPT Code Comparisons

E/M Office Visits

Hospital Inpatient

Critical Care

Emergency Department

Gastroenterology

Why Compare CPT Codes?