CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 26121 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Release palm contracture — 7.54 work RVU, about $561.8 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 7.54
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 7.84
- PE RVU (facility)
- 7.84
- MP RVU
- 1.44
- Office payment
- $561.8
- Facility payment
- $561.8
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 26121 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (7.54 + 7.84 + 1.44) × $33.4009 ≈ $561.8. The same code in a facility setting pays about $561.8 because facility PE RVU (7.84) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 26121 non-facility payment from $501.55 to $683.15 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 26121?
7.54. 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 26121 in 2026?
About $561.8 non-facility ($561.8 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 (7.54) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (7.84 office vs 7.84 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.