Part 3/7:
Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, an MD and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, highlights a disconcerting fact: 70% to 80% of physician pay is dependent on RVUs. This figure points to a serious issue within the medical billing ecosystem that raises eyebrows among healthcare observers and policymakers alike.
The Role of the American Medical Association
Historically, the RVUs have been established by the American Medical Association (AMA), with recommendations made by an advisory board composed of 32 physicians and other healthcare professionals. This structure is fraught with potential conflicts of interest; after all, physicians can find themselves in a position to set their own compensation structures. This has led to questions about the fairness and integrity of the process.