CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 26442 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Release palm & finger tendon — 9.51 work RVU, about $960.94 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 9.51
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 17.42
- PE RVU (facility)
- 17.42
- MP RVU
- 1.84
- Office payment
- $960.94
- Facility payment
- $960.94
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 26442 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (9.51 + 17.42 + 1.84) × $33.4009 ≈ $960.94. The same code in a facility setting pays about $960.94 because facility PE RVU (17.42) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 26442 non-facility payment from $849.1 to $1,224.54 across CMS localities — from Arkansas to San Jose-sunnyvale-santa Clara (san Benito Cnty). 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 26442?
9.51. 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 26442 in 2026?
About $960.94 non-facility ($960.94 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 (9.51) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (17.42 office vs 17.42 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.