Amy Boyer MBA

Physicians employed by a medical group, hospital or academic institution are commonly compensated using a productivity formula based on 

Since wRVUs drive your paycheck, it’s to your advantage to ask questions in order to understand how the system works - and specifically how your employer counts wRVUs.

 to determine reimbursement. The RVU has three components: physician work, practice expense and malpractice. The physician work RVU, or wRVU, is a "neutralized" way to quantify and compare the productivity of physicians because it eliminates variables such as fee schedules or geographical costs.

Most groups multiply the wRVUs for services provided by a conversion factor to determine all or part of a physician’s compensation. For example, a surgeon who is paid at $60.00 per wRVU and produces 6,000 wRVUs would be compensated $360,000.

It seems pretty simple, but as the saying goes, the devil is in the details. Counting wRVUs is not entirely straightforward, and too often a lack of transparency between administrators and physicians, whether intentional or not, sows seeds of doubt that can grow into a tree of distrust and hostility.

Five questions to ask about wRVU compensation

Slideshows

If you're getting paid in work RVUS, then you need to understand what you’re being paid for and how to calculate your compensation.


There is a significant opportunity in the U.S. for business-minded professionals to have a rewarding career in healthcare as practice managers.

As in any profession, there are average managers who do an adequate job. And then there are the superstars-the managers who care deeply, work fervently, and deliver results time and time again.

So what sets these managers apart from others? What is the “secret sauce” to getting ahead as a practice manager? Let’s talk about five qualities superstar managers possess.

How to become a superstar practice manager

“Never burn bridges,” says Cornelius, “because strong and healthy relationships are vital to success.” Learning to communicate, listen, and understand others will carry you extraordinarily far in your career.

She has 15 years of experience working with physicians in private practice, hospital-based practice, and academic settings. Boyer specializes in practice operations, revenue cycle, and the use of technology to improve productivity. She frequently advises residents and young surgeons about employment agreements, compensation, and practice start-up issues.

Articles

Careers in medical practice management can be tough, but there are exceptional leaders who can master it all. Learn the key qualities you need for success.