CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 29844 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Wrist arthroscopy/surgery — 6.35 work RVU, about $470.95 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 6.35
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 6.5
- PE RVU (facility)
- 6.5
- MP RVU
- 1.25
- Office payment
- $470.95
- Facility payment
- $470.95
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 29844 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (6.35 + 6.5 + 1.25) × $33.4009 ≈ $470.95. The same code in a facility setting pays about $470.95 because facility PE RVU (6.5) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 29844 non-facility payment from $420.09 to $572.37 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 29844?
6.35. 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 29844 in 2026?
About $470.95 non-facility ($470.95 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 (6.35) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (6.5 office vs 6.5 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.