Ep. 544 Inside the RVS Update Committee (RUC) Process with Dr. Amar Rewari and Dr. Curtis Lee Anderson

How is reimbursement decided? Have an inside look from the committee itself as we unpack exactly how a new CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code is created, assessed, and ultimately valued for physician Medicare reimbursement. In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Sabeen Dhand is joined by radiation oncologist Dr. Amar Rewari and interventional radiologist Dr. Curtis Anderson, both of whom sit on the RVS Update Committee (RUC).
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SYNPOSIS
The conversation covers who participates in the RUC, the preparation it takes to propose a new CPT code, and what it’s like to collaborate with physicians from all specialties. They discuss the confidential yet crucial role of the RUC in determining physician work and practice expenses, advocacy efforts, and the impact of healthcare policies on reimbursement. The doctors stress the importance of physician engagement—especially through member surveys—and share how providers can get involved. The guests also touch on their personal journeys and motivations within the RUC and introduce Dr. Rewari’s podcast, ‘Value Health Voices’, which focuses on healthcare policy and economics.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction and Importance of Surveys
01:18 - Understanding the RVS Update Committee (RUC)
6:36 - How Does a New CPT Code Get Introduced?
09:44 - Challenges and Dynamics within the RUC
20:52 - Health Value Voices Podcast
22:51 - Transparency in Healthcare Policy
24:39 - Future of Healthcare Payments
29:00 - Getting Involved in Healthcare Policy
33:43- Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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RESOURCES
Health Value Voices Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cxnf4Il3QK3cvFFKxwPWL?si=212d084a09034cf2