CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 29846 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Wrist arthroscopy/surgery — 6.72 work RVU, about $487.99 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 6.72
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 6.6
- PE RVU (facility)
- 6.6
- MP RVU
- 1.29
- Office payment
- $487.99
- Facility payment
- $487.99
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 29846 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (6.72 + 6.6 + 1.29) × $33.4009 ≈ $487.99. The same code in a facility setting pays about $487.99 because facility PE RVU (6.6) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 29846 non-facility payment from $436.01 to $595.2 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 29846?
6.72. 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 29846 in 2026?
About $487.99 non-facility ($487.99 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 (6.72) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (6.6 office vs 6.6 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.