Work relative value units and the association with operative time and surgical complexity: A pediatric NSQIP analysis

In the United States, physician compensation for surgical procedures is largely based on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)-specific work Relative Value Units (wRVUs), which are meant to reflect operative time, technical skill and effort, mental effort and judgement, and stress. We sought to determine if operative time and case complexity are appropriately compensated for in pediatric surgical procedures.