When Benchmarks Fail Us: A Case Study in Cytoreductive Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol 2025 Jan;32(1):19-23
Date
10/26/2024Pubmed ID
39460818DOI
10.1245/s10434-024-16191-yScopus ID
2-s2.0-85207593066 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 1 CitationAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Relative Value Units (RVUs) are utilized to measure physician work effort and create national benchmarks. Physicians are often measured against national benchmarks to determine compensation. Using a case study in cytoreductive surgery, we explored variability in coding that can impact national benchmarks.
METHODS: A survey was conducted amongst surgeons in the peritoneal surface malignancies consortium (PSM). Data was collected on clinical experience, clinical full time equivalent, wRVUS and institutional coding practice.
RESULTS: Coding of the same procedure resulted in significantly varying RVUs (IQR 60-101) across institutions. Higher volume (> 50% practice) appeared to have better coding practices with higher wRVU/case (Median 102 vs 62, p = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variability in the measurement of similar effort across institutions due to coding variability. Such variability creates flaws in measurement necessary for benchmarks.
Author List
Bansal VV, Witmer HDD, Childers CP, Su DG, Turaga KK, RVU Writing Group, PSM Consortium GroupAuthors
Anai N. Kothari MD Assistant Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinUgwuji N. Maduekwe MD Associate Dean, Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
BenchmarkingClinical Coding
Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures
Humans
Peritoneal Neoplasms
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
Prognosis
Relative Value Scales
Surgeons
Surveys and Questionnaires
