CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 21620 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Ostectomy sternum partial — 7.1 work RVU, about $500.35 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 7.1
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 6.16
- PE RVU (facility)
- 6.16
- MP RVU
- 1.72
- Office payment
- $500.35
- Facility payment
- $500.35
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 21620 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (7.1 + 6.16 + 1.72) × $33.4009 ≈ $500.35. The same code in a facility setting pays about $500.35 because facility PE RVU (6.16) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 21620 non-facility payment from $443.47 to $606.5 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 21620?
7.1. 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 21620 in 2026?
About $500.35 non-facility ($500.35 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 (7.1) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (6.16 office vs 6.16 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.