CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 26516 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Fusion of knuckle joint — 7.14 work RVU, about $717.45 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 7.14
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 12.97
- PE RVU (facility)
- 12.97
- MP RVU
- 1.37
- Office payment
- $717.45
- Facility payment
- $717.45
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 26516 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (7.14 + 12.97 + 1.37) × $33.4009 ≈ $717.45. The same code in a facility setting pays about $717.45 because facility PE RVU (12.97) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 26516 non-facility payment from $634.18 to $913.93 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 26516?
7.14. 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 26516 in 2026?
About $717.45 non-facility ($717.45 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 (7.14) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (12.97 office vs 12.97 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.