The Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS)

The Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) is a system used by Medicare and other insurers to determine how much to pay healthcare providers for services. It assigns each service a relative value based on the resources needed, including the provider’s work, the practice's overhead costs, and the expenses of maintaining equipment and supplies. These values are then adjusted geographically to account for regional cost differences. This approach helps ensure fair, standardized payments that reflect the complexity and resources required for different medical services across various locations.