Authors
Brian Piper, PhD
Brian Piper, PhDConsultant
Ronald T. Luke, JD, PhD
Ronald T. Luke, JD, PhDPresident

For several years, RPC has published on our web site a white paper explaining the data sources and methods we use calculate Usual, Customary, and Reasonable (UCR) charges for claims from physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. It is a basis for many of our expert reports and has been cited in several publications.

Each year we review and update the white paper. This involves rechecking the sources in the footnotes and clarifying the text where necessary. We have just completed that process for the 2023 version and posted it on our web site.

The UCR charge is often used to determine reasonable payment for out of network providers. In Texas personal injury cases, the UCR charge is used to analyze the reasonableness of charges for past medical expenses in applying Section 18.001. The UCR charge is one factor used to determine reasonable charges for future medical expenses in life care plans.

The updated version of the white paper is available to download from the RPC website. For additional information about UCR charges, contact Brian Piper, PhD, and Ron Luke, JD, PhD.