CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 19281 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Perq device breast 1st imag — 1.95 work RVU, about $234.81 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 1.95
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 4.89
- PE RVU (facility)
- 0.35
- MP RVU
- 0.19
- Office payment
- $234.81
- Facility payment
- $83.17
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 19281 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (1.95 + 4.89 + 0.19) × $33.4009 ≈ $234.81. The same code in a facility setting pays about $83.17 because facility PE RVU (0.35) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 19281 non-facility payment from $208.7 to $311.22 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 19281?
1.95. 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 19281 in 2026?
About $234.81 non-facility ($83.17 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 (1.95) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (4.89 office vs 0.35 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.