CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 29835 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Elbow arthroscopy/surgery — 6.45 work RVU, about $486.99 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 6.45
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 6.77
- PE RVU (facility)
- 6.77
- MP RVU
- 1.36
- Office payment
- $486.99
- Facility payment
- $486.99
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 29835 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (6.45 + 6.77 + 1.36) × $33.4009 ≈ $486.99. The same code in a facility setting pays about $486.99 because facility PE RVU (6.77) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 29835 non-facility payment from $433.07 to $589.55 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 29835?
6.45. 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 29835 in 2026?
About $486.99 non-facility ($486.99 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 (6.45) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (6.77 office vs 6.77 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.