CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 21137 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Rdctj forehead cntrg only — 9.98 work RVU, about $685.05 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 9.98
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 8.68
- PE RVU (facility)
- 8.68
- MP RVU
- 1.85
- Office payment
- $685.05
- Facility payment
- $685.05
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 21137 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (9.98 + 8.68 + 1.85) × $33.4009 ≈ $685.05. The same code in a facility setting pays about $685.05 because facility PE RVU (8.68) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 21137 non-facility payment from $614.2 to $842.82 across CMS localities — from Arkansas to Alaska. 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 21137?
9.98. 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 21137 in 2026?
About $685.05 non-facility ($685.05 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 (9.98) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (8.68 office vs 8.68 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.