CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 26540 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Repair hand joint — 6.44 work RVU, about $679.37 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 6.44
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 12.66
- PE RVU (facility)
- 12.66
- MP RVU
- 1.24
- Office payment
- $679.37
- Facility payment
- $679.37
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 26540 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (6.44 + 12.66 + 1.24) × $33.4009 ≈ $679.37. The same code in a facility setting pays about $679.37 because facility PE RVU (12.66) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 26540 non-facility payment from $599.66 to $870.72 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 26540?
6.44. 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 26540 in 2026?
About $679.37 non-facility ($679.37 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 (6.44) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (12.66 office vs 12.66 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.