Data Sources & Methodology

Complete transparency in how we source, validate, and update our RVU data.

Last updated: February 8, 2026

Primary Data Sources

CMS Physician Fee Schedule (PFS)

All RVU values are sourced directly from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Physician Fee Schedule. This is the official source for work RVUs, practice expense RVUs, and malpractice RVUs used by Medicare and most commercial payers.

What We Use:

  • • Work RVU values (Column F)
  • • Practice Expense RVUs (Column G)
  • • Malpractice RVUs (Column K)
  • • Total RVUs (calculated sum)

Update Schedule:

  • • Annual updates (January)
  • • Quarterly verification
  • • Emergency updates as needed
  • • Change tracking and logging
View Official CMS Fee Schedule

AMA CPT® Code Set

CPT code descriptions and categories are based on the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set, the standard for medical procedure coding.

Learn About CPT Codes

Our Methodology

Data Collection Process

  1. Download official CMS Physician Fee Schedule files (PPRRVU format)
  2. Parse and validate all RVU values against CMS documentation
  3. Cross-reference CPT codes with AMA CPT code descriptions
  4. Implement automated quality checks for data consistency
  5. Spot-check critical codes against official sources
  6. Deploy updates with comprehensive change logging

Quality Assurance

Automated Checks

  • • RVU value range validation
  • • CPT code format verification
  • • Duplicate detection and removal
  • • Mathematical consistency checks

Data Validation

  • • Cross-reference with official CMS sources
  • • Spot-check high-impact codes
  • • User feedback integration
  • • Regular accuracy monitoring

Handling Discrepancies

When we identify potential discrepancies or receive user reports of inaccurate data:

  1. Immediate investigation against official CMS sources
  2. Temporary flagging of questionable values
  3. Verification against multiple official sources
  4. Correction and notification to affected users
  5. Documentation in our public change log

RVU Data Updates

Always verify RVU values with official sources before billing. While we maintain high accuracy standards, RVU values can vary based on:

  • Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCI) adjustments
  • Local carrier policies and interpretations
  • Facility vs. non-facility settings
  • Modifier applications and bundling rules

Recommendation: Use our values for productivity tracking and estimation, but always confirm with your billing department or practice management system before submitting claims.

Found a Data Issue?

We take data accuracy seriously. If you notice any discrepancies or have questions about our RVU values, please let us know immediately.

Data Issues Email:support@wrvutracker.com

We update our RVU data annually when CMS releases the new Physician Fee Schedule, typically in January. Any significant changes or corrections are documented here with clear explanations of what changed and why.

Report Data Issue