CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 29851 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Knee arthroscopy/surgery — 12.93 work RVU, about $861.74 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 12.93
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 10.12
- PE RVU (facility)
- 10.12
- MP RVU
- 2.75
- Office payment
- $861.74
- Facility payment
- $861.74
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 29851 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (12.93 + 10.12 + 2.75) × $33.4009 ≈ $861.74. The same code in a facility setting pays about $861.74 because facility PE RVU (10.12) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 29851 non-facility payment from $769.53 to $1,058.41 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 29851?
12.93. 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 29851 in 2026?
About $861.74 non-facility ($861.74 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 (12.93) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (10.12 office vs 10.12 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.