When was the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) established?

The Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) was established in 1992. This scale was developed to provide a more systematic way of determining how much physicians should be paid for their services. It shifted the focus from a fee-for-service model, which was based on individual services rendered, to a relative value approach that considers the complexity and resource intensity involved in delivering medical care.

The establishment of the RBRVS was significant in the context of healthcare reimbursement, particularly for Medicare, as it aimed to address inequities in payment rates across different specialties and procedures. By creating a standardized system based on the resources required for various services, RBRVS aimed to ensure fair compensation that reflects the effort, time, and skill involved in providing care.

Understanding the date of establishment is crucial for comprehending the evolution of healthcare reimbursement systems and policies over time, as it was a pivotal change that influenced subsequent payment reforms and established a framework for evaluating physician work relative to patient care.