Understanding Work RVUs (WRVU) - Calculation and Compensation

Event Materials (Key Required)

Course Description

Work RVUs (WRVUs) are rapidly becoming the preferred compensation model across hospital foundations, universities, private equity groups, and medical organizations. Unlike traditional models based on payer reimbursement or collections, WRVUs focus strictly on provider productivity - making it essential for physicians and healthcare administrators to understand how they are calculated and used.

This practical, in-depth session is designed to help attendees confidently navigate WRVU based compensation. It covers how to calculate WRVUs using CPT codes and service volume, how compensation formulas are structured, how to negotiate dollars per WRVU, and how to monitor WRVU recordation for accuracy.

Physicians aren't the only stakeholders impacted - medical coders, coding auditors, and clinical documentation improvement (CDI) specialists play a critical role in WRVU accuracy. Because WRVU totals are directly derived from coding, errors or inconsistencies can lead to compensation discrepancies, audit risk, or revenue loss. This webinar is ideal for any professional involved in provider compensation, contract development, coding, or documentation.

Led by Debra Phairas, President of Practice & Liability Consultants, LLC, the session draws on real-world experience assisting providers, hospitals, and legal teams with WRVU calculations and disputes. If you’re negotiating a contract or managing physician compensation, this session is not to be missed.

Learning Objectives

• Calculate WRVUs using CPT codes and volume of visits, surgeries, or procedures
• Differentiate between Work RVU and Total RVU
• Understand key WRVU compensation methodologies
• Find WRVU values for CPT codes through the Medicare Fee Schedule
• Negotiate dollars per WRVU and bonus tiers effectively
• Identify reliable survey data sources used in WRVU benchmarking
• Monitor WRVU reporting to ensure compensation accuracy
• Recognize and navigate negotiation pitfalls and compensation traps

Areas Covered in the Session

• How to calculate your WRVUs using CPT codes and service volume
• What is a Work RVU versus Total RVU
• Who determines the value of WRVUs and how
• Why WRVUs are a true measure of physician productivity
• How to find WRVUs in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
• What sources of data are used to set base compensation and bonuses (MGMA, AMGA, SullivanCotter, etc.)
• Sample benchmarks and WRVU dollar values for various specialties
• Survey years used in contracts and the importance of choosing the right ones
• Tiers and thresholds in WRVU bonuses (e.g., 50%, 75%, 90% levels)
• How to monitor WRVUs for accuracy and negotiate contract terms, including compensation caps
• Live Q&A Session

Suggested Attendees

• Physicians in Private Practice or Employed Settings
• Medical Group Owners and Executives
• Practice Administrators and Office Managers
• Hospital and Health System Executives
• Chief Medical Officers (CMO)
• Chief Executive Officers (CEO)
• Chief Financial Officers (CFO)
• Chief Operating Officers (COO)
• Compensation Committee Members
• Credentialing and Medical Staff Professionals
• Medical Coders and Auditors
• Coding Managers and Supervisors
• Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Specialists
• Revenue Cycle Directors and Analysts
• Healthcare Attorneys and Legal Advisors
• Human Resources and Talent Acquisition Leaders
• Physician Recruitment and Onboarding Coordinators
• Directors of Provider Contracting
• Healthcare Consultants Specializing in Compensation Models
• Directors of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
• Managed Care and Payer Relations Staff
• Medical Group Strategy and Operations Leaders
• Anyone Involved in Designing, Auditing, or Negotiating Physician Compensation Packages

About the Presenter

Debra Phairas, President and Owner, Practice & Liability Consultants, LLC

Debra Phairas brings over 40 years of experience in healthcare practice management and malpractice prevention. As the leader of a nationally recognized consulting firm based in San Francisco, she has partnered with more than 2,300 medical practices across multiple specialties to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen risk management, and drive financial growth.

Her pioneering work includes developing the malpractice insurance industry’s first prevention audit program, widely implemented by large medical groups. Debra holds an MBA in Health Care Administration and serves as a certified expert witness in California, Arizona, and Washington courts.

A sought-after speaker and educator, she regularly presents to medical associations and healthcare organizations nationwide. Debra also holds leadership roles in key professional groups such as MGMA and the National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants, underscoring her influence in the industry.

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Additional Information

After Registration: You will receive an email with login information and handouts (presentation slides) that you can print and share with all participants at your location.

System Requirement:

• Internet Speed: Preferably above 1 MBPS
• Headset: Any decent headset and microphone which can be used to talk and hear clearly

Live Course Cancellation Policy: If for any reason Skillacquire need to cancel this program, Skillacquire will notify participants by email of the cancellation no less than 24 hours prior to the expected start time.

Can’t Listen Live? No problem. You can get access to an On-Demand webinar. Use it as a training tool at your convenience.

For more information, you can reach out to the below contact:

Toll-Free No: 1-302-444-0162

Email: care@skillacquire.com 

This is a Live Virtual session.

A new way of immersive learning that allows you to engage live with our instructor and peers providing you with the flexibility to juggle the new work-life balance.

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