CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 29821 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Sho arthrs srg compl synvct — 7.69 work RVU, about $557.46 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 7.69
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 7.46
- PE RVU (facility)
- 7.46
- MP RVU
- 1.54
- Office payment
- $557.46
- Facility payment
- $557.46
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 29821 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (7.69 + 7.46 + 1.54) × $33.4009 ≈ $557.46. The same code in a facility setting pays about $557.46 because facility PE RVU (7.46) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 29821 non-facility payment from $497.38 to $678.99 across CMS localities — from Arkansas to Alaska. 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 29821?
7.69. 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 29821 in 2026?
About $557.46 non-facility ($557.46 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 (7.69) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (7.46 office vs 7.46 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.