CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 29871 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Arthrs knee surg for infctj — 6.52 work RVU, about $491.33 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 6.52
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 6.84
- PE RVU (facility)
- 6.84
- MP RVU
- 1.35
- Office payment
- $491.33
- Facility payment
- $491.33
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 29871 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (6.52 + 6.84 + 1.35) × $33.4009 ≈ $491.33. The same code in a facility setting pays about $491.33 because facility PE RVU (6.84) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 29871 non-facility payment from $437.24 to $595.34 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 29871?
6.52. 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 29871 in 2026?
About $491.33 non-facility ($491.33 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 (6.52) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (6.84 office vs 6.84 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.