CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 15837 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Exc excsv skin forearm/hand — 9.31 work RVU, about $937.23 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 9.31
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 17.02
- PE RVU (facility)
- 8.67
- MP RVU
- 1.73
- Office payment
- $937.23
- Facility payment
- $658.33
How the payment is calculated
Total RVU is work plus practice expense plus malpractice, each adjusted by its GPCI factor, then multiplied by the conversion factor. For 15837 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (9.31 + 17.02 + 1.73) × $33.4009 ≈ $937.23. The same code in a facility setting pays about $658.33 because facility PE RVU (8.67) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 15837 non-facility payment from $829.05 to $1,195.89 across CMS localities — from Arkansas to San Jose-sunnyvale-santa Clara (san Benito Cnty). Check your exact locality in the GPCI calculator rather than using a state average.
Related codes
Checking a different code or locality? Open the full RVU calculator to run any of the 7,790 CPT/HCPCS codes with your own GPCI factors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 work RVU for CPT 15837?
9.31. Work RVU measures physician time, skill, and intensity — it does not change by setting or locality. Total payment adds practice expense and malpractice RVUs plus the conversion factor.
How much does Medicare pay for CPT 15837 in 2026?
About $937.23 non-facility ($658.33 facility) at national GPCI with the 2026 $33.4009 conversion factor. Your locality GPCI moves the number — see the range above.
Does the work RVU change between office and facility?
No. Work RVU (9.31) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (17.02 office vs 8.67 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.