CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 17261 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Dstrj mal les t/a/l .6-1.0cm — 1.19 work RVU, about $144.29 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 1.19
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 3.01
- PE RVU (facility)
- 0.92
- MP RVU
- 0.12
- Office payment
- $144.29
- Facility payment
- $74.48
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 17261 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (1.19 + 3.01 + 0.12) × $33.4009 ≈ $144.29. The same code in a facility setting pays about $74.48 because facility PE RVU (0.92) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 17261 non-facility payment from $128.17 to $191.24 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 17261?
1.19. 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 17261 in 2026?
About $144.29 non-facility ($74.48 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 (1.19) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (3.01 office vs 0.92 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.