CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 21557 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Resect neck thorax tumor — 14.38 work RVU, about $882.45 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 14.38
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 8.92
- PE RVU (facility)
- 8.92
- MP RVU
- 3.12
- Office payment
- $882.45
- Facility payment
- $882.45
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 21557 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (14.38 + 8.92 + 3.12) × $33.4009 ≈ $882.45. The same code in a facility setting pays about $882.45 because facility PE RVU (8.92) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 21557 non-facility payment from $789.9 to $1,095.18 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 21557?
14.38. 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 21557 in 2026?
About $882.45 non-facility ($882.45 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 (14.38) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (8.92 office vs 8.92 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.