CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 15838 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Exc excsv submental fat pad — 8.04 work RVU, about $599.88 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 8.04
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 8.44
- PE RVU (facility)
- 8.44
- MP RVU
- 1.48
- Office payment
- $599.88
- Facility payment
- $599.88
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 15838 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (8.04 + 8.44 + 1.48) × $33.4009 ≈ $599.88. The same code in a facility setting pays about $599.88 because facility PE RVU (8.44) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 15838 non-facility payment from $536.16 to $731.08 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 15838?
8.04. 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 15838 in 2026?
About $599.88 non-facility ($599.88 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 (8.04) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (8.44 office vs 8.44 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.