No alarm bells over HCFA's malpractice RVU method

Why This Topic Matters

Changes to malpractice RVUs can affect Medicare reimbursement across specialties, so understanding the methodology and projected specialty impacts is important for providers, practice managers, and policy analysts.

Article Sections

1. HCFA’s proposed malpractice RVU methodology

   Summarizes the agency’s approach to incorporating malpractice costs into the resource-based relative value scale. It also notes the data sources and general framework used for the proposal.

2. Specialty reactions to the proposal

   Describes comments from specialty organizations about the proposed methodology and its expected effect on different physician groups. The section highlights broad concerns and areas of cautious approval.

3. HCFA projected impact on total allowed charges by specialty of proposed fully implemented practice expense and malpractice RVUs

   Presents a specialty-by-specialty impact table showing projected allowed charges and percentage payment effects. The table includes physician and other practitioner categories.