CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 21179 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Rcnstj forehead with grafts — 22.08 work RVU, about $1,343.05 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 22.08
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 14.03
- PE RVU (facility)
- 14.03
- MP RVU
- 4.1
- Office payment
- $1,343.05
- Facility payment
- $1,343.05
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 21179 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (22.08 + 14.03 + 4.1) × $33.4009 ≈ $1,343.05. The same code in a facility setting pays about $1,343.05 because facility PE RVU (14.03) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 21179 non-facility payment from $1,210.56 to $1,680.77 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 21179?
22.08. 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 21179 in 2026?
About $1,343.05 non-facility ($1,343.05 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 (22.08) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (14.03 office vs 14.03 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.