CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 29881 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Arthrs kne srg mnisectmy m/l — 6.85 work RVU, about $515.71 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 6.85
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 7.19
- PE RVU (facility)
- 7.19
- MP RVU
- 1.4
- Office payment
- $515.71
- Facility payment
- $515.71
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 29881 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (6.85 + 7.19 + 1.4) × $33.4009 ≈ $515.71. The same code in a facility setting pays about $515.71 because facility PE RVU (7.19) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 29881 non-facility payment from $459.17 to $625.33 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 29881?
6.85. 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 29881 in 2026?
About $515.71 non-facility ($515.71 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 (6.85) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (7.19 office vs 7.19 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.