Research Mentor Name

Dr. Robert Sherwin

Research Mentor Email Address

rsherwin@med.wayne.edu

Institution / Department

Wayne State University School Medicine

Document Type

Research Abstract

Research Type

publichealth

Other Type of Research

N/A

Graduate Level Research

no

Abstract

Evaluating Relative Value Units for Hypertension and Diabetes Care in a Student-Run Free Clinic: A Retrospective Chart Review

Gabriel Doree, Isabella Imirowicz, Anthony Kavanagh, Emily Yao, Robert Sherwin, MD

Background: Hypertension and diabetes impose major financial and health burdens in the United States, disproportionately affecting uninsured and unhoused populations. Student-run free clinics (SRFCs) provide critical chronic disease management yet are rarely evaluated using standardized economic metrics such as Relative Value Units (RVUs).

Methods: This retrospective chart review quantified RVUs generated by hypertension and diabetes visits at the Cass-Costea SRFC in Detroit over six months. CPT codes were retrospectively assigned to each visit, and RVUs were converted to estimated revenue using the 2025 CMS Physician Fee Schedule.

Results: Across 180 encounters, the clinic generated 392.28 RVUs: equivalent to $15,398.87 in reimbursable value. Average RVUs per visit were consistent across diagnostic categories: 2.67 ± 0.67 for diabetes, 2.69 ± 0.83 for hypertension, and 2.54 ± 0.73 for patients with both. Hypertension visits produced the highest total value ($9,565.83) due to higher volume, while encounters involving both conditions yielded greater lab-related reimbursement, indicating higher resource utilization.

Conclusion: Applying RVU valuation to SRFC encounters provides an objective framework for assessing their economic and educational impact. These findings demonstrate that SRFCs generate measurable value while reducing financial burden on safety-net systems. Beyond their fiscal contribution, SRFCs serve as training grounds for cost-conscious, community-oriented physicians. Integrating RVU-based evaluation into SRFC research can enhance funding justification, cross-site benchmarking, and recognition of SRFCs as vital components of the U.S. primary care safety net.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Comments

We thank Cass Community Social Services, Dr. Keith Hoffman, M.D., and Ms. Laura Toneralli, R.N., for their support of this study.

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