The RUC: A Primer for Neurointerventionalists
The RUC: A Primer for Neurointerventionalists
The Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) plays a critical role in determining physician payment. When the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) transitioned to paying physicians based on the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale, the American Medical Association developed this unique multispecialty committee. Physicians at the RUC determine the resources required to provide physician services and recommend appropriate payment for those services. The RUC then submits its recommendations to CMS. Physicians have thus been important in determining relative value and hence payment for the services they provide.
The American Medical Association (AMA)/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale (RVS) Update Committee, also known as the RUC, is a critical component of valuing healthcare services, yet practicing neurointerventionalists (NIs) might not have detailed knowledge about its internal workings. Indeed, it could be difficult to comprehend that this relatively unknown group is responsible for recommending physician payment rates to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and that historically their suggestions were largely (>90%) accepted. What is not hard to believe, once one understands the critical role the RUC plays in shaping reimbursement policy, is the tremendous effort specialty society volunteers and staff dedicate to having a voice at the table.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
The Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) plays a critical role in determining physician payment. When the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) transitioned to paying physicians based on the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale, the American Medical Association developed this unique multispecialty committee. Physicians at the RUC determine the resources required to provide physician services and recommend appropriate payment for those services. The RUC then submits its recommendations to CMS. Physicians have thus been important in determining relative value and hence payment for the services they provide.
Introduction
The American Medical Association (AMA)/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale (RVS) Update Committee, also known as the RUC, is a critical component of valuing healthcare services, yet practicing neurointerventionalists (NIs) might not have detailed knowledge about its internal workings. Indeed, it could be difficult to comprehend that this relatively unknown group is responsible for recommending physician payment rates to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and that historically their suggestions were largely (>90%) accepted. What is not hard to believe, once one understands the critical role the RUC plays in shaping reimbursement policy, is the tremendous effort specialty society volunteers and staff dedicate to having a voice at the table.