A response from the Relative Value Update Committee
Kai Ryssdal: We did a story last week about health care costs, what Medicare pays for a given medical procedure specifically, and a part of the American Medical Association called the Relative Value Update Committee. RUC, for short.
One person we didn’t talk to for that piece — but should have — is the head of the committee, Dr. Barbara Levy.
Barbara Levy: Only at the very end did it note that a volunteer committee of physicians, known as the RUC, provides at no cost to taxpayers a valuable service no other entity can provide. The RUC does not determine prices. It is extremely disappointing that we were not contacted. I am proud that we incorporate the expertise of more than 300 volunteer physicians and other experts who attend our meetings, and to recommendations to improve the Medicare program.
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