RBRVS report: activities of the Ad Hoc Committee for Physicians' Reimbursement.

Abstract

The Ad Hoc Committee to study the Resource-Based Relative Value Study has been active for more than 2 years. This Committee's membership was initially appointed by The Society for Thoracic Surgeons, but was quickly expanded so as to represent virtually all this nation's surgeons practicing the specialty of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. This address describes the general activities of the Committee since its organization. It includes: 1. A brief description of the resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS). 2. The Committee's investigation of Harvard RBRVS Phase I as it relates to our specialty. 3. The Committee's findings and resultant testimony to the federal government and the American Medical Association. 4. The genesis and conduct of an independent study of the specialty. 5. A summary of our current position with respect to federal initiatives.