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The stark difference in compensation between specialists and general practitioners is exemplified in a scenario involving heart surgery. A cardiac surgeon may earn substantially more—over twenty times more—than a general practitioner who discusses preventive lifestyle changes with patients. This disparity primarily arises from how RVUs are structured and calculated, underscoring the fundamental flaws present in the current healthcare compensation system.
What are Relative Value Units?
Relative Value Units serve as a metric designed to evaluate the time, complexity, and skill needed for physicians to perform various medical procedures. For decades, RVUs have constituted a foundational element in the payment structure for healthcare providers.