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

How much is one wRVU worth in dollars?

Accepted Answer

The dollar value of one wRVU depends on your employer's conversion factor. The 2026 CMS conversion factor is applied to total RVUs (not just wRVUs) for Medicare payment, but employed physicians are often paid a negotiated dollar-per-wRVU rate that typically ranges from $40 to $75. Use wRVU Tracker to project compensation based on your specific rate.

Question 4

What is a good daily wRVU target for hospitalists?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

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 6

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 7

What changed with RVUs in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule updated wRVU values and the conversion factor across many CPT codes, including evaluation and management (E/M) services, prolonged services, and select procedural codes. wRVU Tracker tracks every 2026 change and highlights which codes had the biggest wRVU increases and decreases.

Question 8

What is the best RVU tracker for physicians?

Accepted Answer

wRVU Tracker is a physician productivity platform that includes an RVU calculator, CPT code lookup, daily RVU logger, specialty benchmarks, compensation modeling, and productivity analytics. It uses official CMS data and is designed for hospitalists, outpatient physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers.

Question 9

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 10

What CPT code has the highest wRVU value?

Accepted Answer

Among commonly billed office visits, CPT 99215 (established patient, level 5) carries the highest wRVU. Across surgical and procedural codes, high-complexity operations such as total joint replacements and coronary interventions have substantially higher wRVU values. Look up any CPT code on wRVU Tracker to see its exact 2026 wRVU.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

An RVU calculator looks up and calculates RVU values for individual CPT codes. An RVU tracker monitors RVU productivity over time, including daily logging, cumulative tracking, target monitoring, and analytics. wRVU Tracker is a complete physician productivity platform that includes both an RVU calculator and a full tracking, benchmarking, and compensation management suite.

RVU Resources for Physicians

How to Calculate RVUs

Daily RVU Logging Guide

Ready to Start Tracking Your RVUs?