PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to perform an economic analysis and estimate the fee for the practices that carried out by Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) using relative value scale (RVS) and its conversion factor.
METHODS
First, we developed ENP's RVS for 25 advanced nursing services based on ENP's workload and its time spent by survey. A cost analysis was performed to evaluate the conversion factor of ENP's RVS. The share of ENP's contribution to fee-for-service in emergency setting was also analyzed.
RESULTS
Calculation of the RVS of 25 advanced nursing practices showed a range of points from 73.4 to 296.3 and an average of 145.1 points. The relevant conversion factor for advanced nursing practices among ENP was estimated at 12.2~15.9 won. The contribution rate of ENP's advanced nursing practices in the relative value scale of the national health insurance was estimated at 13.1~17.0%.
CONCLUSION
The practices of ENP are not compensated separately and its reimbursement is usually included in physician fee. An estimation of nursing fee and an independent fee related to ENP's services shows the contribution rate to total revenue. It suggests that emergency nurse practitioners be considered as a revenue source the in emergency room.