CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 26490 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Revise thumb tendon — 8.39 work RVU, about $821.33 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 8.39
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 14.43
- PE RVU (facility)
- 14.43
- MP RVU
- 1.77
- Office payment
- $821.33
- Facility payment
- $821.33
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 26490 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (8.39 + 14.43 + 1.77) × $33.4009 ≈ $821.33. The same code in a facility setting pays about $821.33 because facility PE RVU (14.43) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 26490 non-facility payment from $724.7 to $1,037.76 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 26490?
8.39. 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 26490 in 2026?
About $821.33 non-facility ($821.33 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 (8.39) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (14.43 office vs 14.43 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.