What is an RVU (Relative Value Unit)?

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.

How do I calculate work RVUs (wRVUs)?

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.

What is a good daily wRVU target for hospitalists?

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.

Where does CMS RVU data come from?

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.

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

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.

What is the best RVU tracker for physicians?

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.

How do I track my RVUs daily?

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.

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

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.

California GPCI Values

Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI) values for California (CA). GPCIs adjust Medicare physician payments to reflect local cost differences.

Based on CMS Physician Fee Schedule GPCI data

Work GPCI

1.041

4.1% above national

Practice Expense GPCI

1.153

15.3% above national

Malpractice GPCI

0.697

30.3% below national

California GPCI by Locality

Locality	Work GPCI	PE GPCI	MP GPCI
San Francisco	1.072	1.465	0.578
Los Angeles	1.041	1.175	0.789
San Diego	1.024	1.117	0.757
Sacramento	1.024	1.098	0.575
Rest of California	1.009	1.010	0.656

Example: How California GPCIs Affect Payment

Here is an example calculation for CPT 99214 (Established Patient Office Visit, Level 4) in California using statewide average GPCIs:

Component	National RVU	CA GPCI	Adjusted RVU
Work RVU	1.92	1.041	1.9987
Practice Expense RVU	1.56	1.153	1.7987
Malpractice RVU	0.29	0.697	0.2021
Total	3.77	--	3.9995

Estimated California Medicare Payment for 99214: 3.9995 x $32.74 (conversion factor) = $130.94(+6.1% vs. national average of $123.43)

What Are GPCIs?

The Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI) is a set of three adjustment factors used by CMS to modify Medicare physician payments based on geographic differences in the cost of practicing medicine. Every Medicare locality has its own set of GPCI values.

Work GPCI

Adjusts the work RVU based on local physician earnings. Most states have a floor of 1.000.

PE GPCI

Adjusts the practice expense RVU based on local rents, wages, equipment, and supply costs.

MP GPCI

Adjusts the malpractice RVU based on local professional liability insurance premiums.

About California: California has wide GPCI variation. San Francisco has the highest practice expense GPCI in the continental US.

Medicare Payment Formula

CMS calculates Medicare physician payment using this formula:

Payment = [(Work RVU x Work GPCI) + (PE RVU x PE GPCI) + (MP RVU x MP GPCI)] x Conversion Factor

The 2026 Medicare conversion factor is $32.74. This single dollar amount is multiplied by the GPCI-adjusted total RVU to determine the Medicare Allowed Amount for each service.

RVU Calculator

Look up work RVUs and total RVUs for any CPT code using official CMS data.

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How to Calculate RVUs

Complete guide to calculating work RVUs, total RVUs, and understanding the CMS fee schedule.

Read Guide

GPCI values shown are representative averages based on CMS data. Actual values vary by specific Medicare locality. Always verify with the official CMS Physician Fee Schedule for billing purposes. wRVU Tracker is for reference only.