CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 26596 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Excision constricting tissue — 8.91 work RVU, about $792.6 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 8.91
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 12.91
- PE RVU (facility)
- 12.91
- MP RVU
- 1.91
- Office payment
- $792.6
- Facility payment
- $792.6
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 26596 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (8.91 + 12.91 + 1.91) × $33.4009 ≈ $792.6. The same code in a facility setting pays about $792.6 because facility PE RVU (12.91) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 26596 non-facility payment from $700.86 to $986.33 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 26596?
8.91. 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 26596 in 2026?
About $792.6 non-facility ($792.6 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 (8.91) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (12.91 office vs 12.91 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.