The RVG revolutionised anaesthesia fees and rebates in Australia changing them from being based on the surgery to being based on the anaesthesia. Rather than basing anaesthesia fees and rebates on surgical item numbers and using an average anaesthesia time that was often incorrect, the RVG used anaesthesia specific items and actual anaesthesia time so as to tailor the anaesthesia account and rebate precisely to the anaesthesia provided. Apart from the RVG being more simple, accurate and logical than previous systems it also did much for the self esteem, independence and professionalism of anaesthetists, particularly with respect to their relationship with surgeons.