relative value studies (RVS)

Compiled list of particular rating or rank of medical services based on the intensity of the procedure performed. Each professional service listed by procedure code is given a relative value unit (RVU) and that is multiplied by a dollar conversion factor to show the monetary value for each procedure. The study becomes a fee schedule when dollar conversion factors are applied. RVS is published as a guide book to show the relative value of one procedure over another. Also called relative value scale (RVS) .

relative weight (RW)

Assigned weight calculated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that reflects the resource consumption of each diagnosis-related group (DRG). The higher the relative weight, the larger the payment to the facility. Relative weights are published in the final prospective payment system rule.