UT Health East Texas offers two distinct compensation structures depending on the role. Both positions include a two-year income guarantee structured as the greater of the guarantee or wRVU-based earnings, meaning physicians benefit from both income security and productivity upside from day one. In Year 3, both roles transition to full wRVU productivity at $64 per wRVU.
The guarantee structure removes financial risk during the ramp period. With a fully open panel and no new program build-out required, physicians can expect to reach full volume quickly. Productivity is tracked quarterly during the guarantee period, and any wRVU-based earnings that exceed the guarantee floor are paid out accordingly.
| Component | Staff PM&R Physician | Medical Director |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1-2 Guarantee | $325,000 | $345,000 (Medical Director included) |
| Year 1-2 Structure | Greater of $325,000 or $64/wRVU | Greater of $345,000 or $64/wRVU |
| Year 3 | 100% wRVU at $64 | 100% wRVU at $64 |
| Commencement Bonus | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Relocation | $15,000 | $15,000 |
Both positions open onto a fully established patient panel with no ramp-up period required to build referral relationships. The rehabilitation hospital runs a consistent daily census of approximately 44 patients across two floors. Incoming physicians should expect to reach steady-state volume within the first several months.
For the Staff PM&R Physician, the Year 1-2 structure pays the greater of $325,000 or $64 per wRVU. At modeled Year 1 volume (70% ramp), wRVU-based earnings fall below the guarantee, so the physician earns the $325,000 floor. At modeled Year 2 volume (90% ramp), wRVU-based earnings exceed the guarantee, and the physician earns the higher wRVU-based amount. In Year 3 at full volume, projected earnings are approximately $371,136.
For the Medical Director, the Year 1-2 structure pays the greater of $345,000 or $64 per wRVU, with the Medical Director role included. At modeled volumes through Year 2, the guarantee exceeds projected wRVU-based earnings, so the physician earns the $345,000 floor in both years. Year 3 transitions to full wRVU productivity.
Provided Data
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Staff PM&R Year 1-2 Guarantee | $325,000 |
| Medical Director Year 1-2 Guarantee | $345,000 |
| wRVU Rate (both roles, all years) | $64.00 |
| Daily Patient Volume | 16 to 20 patients per day |
| Schedule | Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM |
| Commencement Bonus | $25,000 |
| Relocation | $15,000 |
| Guarantee Period | 2 years (both roles) |
Modeled Assumptions
| Assumption | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily volume used | 18 patients/day | Midpoint of reported range |
| Weeks worked annually | 46 weeks | 52 weeks minus vacation, CME, holidays |
| Average wRVUs per encounter | 1.40 | Typical inpatient PM&R mix (99231-99233) |
| wRVU conversion factor | $64.00 | Confirmed |
| Year 1 ramp factor | 70% of full volume | Open panel, fast ramp expected |
| Year 2 ramp factor | 90% of full volume | Near full panel by end of Year 1 |
| Benefits load | 25% of base salary | Modeled assumption |
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Work days per week | 5 |
| Average patients per day | 18 |
| Weeks worked per year | 46 |
| Annual patient encounters | 4,140 |
| Average wRVUs per encounter | 1.40 |
| Total projected wRVUs (steady state) | 5,796 |
Formula: 18 patients × 5 days × 46 weeks = 4,140 encounters × 1.40 wRVUs = 5,796 wRVUs
| Year | Status | Projected wRVUs | wRVU Earnings | Actual Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Ramp (70%) | 4,057 | $259,648 | $325,000 (guarantee) |
| Year 2 | Near full panel (90%) | 5,216 | $333,824 | $333,824 (wRVU) |
| Year 3 | Full productivity (100%) | 5,796 | $371,136 | $371,136 (wRVU) |
| Year | Status | Projected wRVUs | wRVU Earnings | Actual Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Ramp (70%) | 4,057 | $259,648 | $345,000 (guarantee) |
| Year 2 | Near full panel (90%) | 5,216 | $333,824 | $345,000 (guarantee) |
| Year 3 | Full productivity (100%) | 5,796 | $371,136 | $371,136 + MD stipend |
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Required wRVUs to cover Year 1-2 guarantee | 5,078 wRVUs |
| Required daily volume to break even | ~15.8 patients/day |
| Reported daily volume | 16 to 20 patients/day |
Formula: $325,000 guarantee ÷ $64.00 = 5,078 wRVUs required
5,078 wRVUs ÷ (5 days × 46 weeks × 1.40 wRVUs) = approximately 15.8 patients per day
At the low end of reported daily volume (16 patients), the physician exceeds the break-even threshold. At the midpoint of 18 patients per day, projected Year 3 income is approximately $371,136.