Tri-service optometry productivity findings and benchmark recommendation.
OBJECTIVE
The 2005 Tri-Service Relative Value Unit (RVU) Production for Optometric Services is examined and used as a basis to provide military leadership with a realistic, evidence-based benchmark recommendation.


METHODS
The Fiscal Year 2005 RVU Production for Optometric Services was collected. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the mean RVU per patient per clinic for each military service. The results were used to develop a global benchmark.


RESULTS
The tri-service RVU per patient per clinic was determined to be 1.33 RVU or 1.45 RVU depending on the method of calculation. Navy and Air Force optometry clinics had higher average RVU outputs compared to that of the Army. Statistical analysis revealed that the Army's RVU production was significantly different from the other services, while the Navy and Air Force did not have significant differences in their means.


CONCLUSIONS
A benchmark of 1.45 RVU per patient translates into a daily RVU benchmark recommendation of 18.85.
Archila
Andrew M
AM
Clinical Administration, College of Optometry, State University of New York, 33 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, USA.
Jarecke
Anthony J
AJ
Damiani
Thomas N
TN
Boorady
Joseph
J
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019985:Benchmarking / Q000379:methods*; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009819:Office Visits; D009907:Optometry / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015895:Relative Value Scales; D014481:United States