CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 21601 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Exc chest wall tumor w/ribs — 17.34 work RVU, about $1,111.58 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 17.34
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 11.5
- PE RVU (facility)
- 11.5
- MP RVU
- 4.44
- Office payment
- $1,111.58
- Facility payment
- $1,111.58
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 21601 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (17.34 + 11.5 + 4.44) × $33.4009 ≈ $1,111.58. The same code in a facility setting pays about $1,111.58 because facility PE RVU (11.5) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 21601 non-facility payment from $985.5 to $1,359.55 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 21601?
17.34. 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 21601 in 2026?
About $1,111.58 non-facility ($1,111.58 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 (17.34) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (11.5 office vs 11.5 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.