CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 26479 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Shortening of hand tendon — 5.76 work RVU, about $676.03 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 5.76
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 13.25
- PE RVU (facility)
- 13.25
- MP RVU
- 1.23
- Office payment
- $676.03
- Facility payment
- $676.03
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 26479 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (5.76 + 13.25 + 1.23) × $33.4009 ≈ $676.03. The same code in a facility setting pays about $676.03 because facility PE RVU (13.25) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 26479 non-facility payment from $593.71 to $873.75 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 26479?
5.76. 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 26479 in 2026?
About $676.03 non-facility ($676.03 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 (5.76) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (13.25 office vs 13.25 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.