CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 33971 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Aortic circulation assist — 11.69 work RVU, about $671.36 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 11.69
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 5.64
- PE RVU (facility)
- 5.64
- MP RVU
- 2.77
- Office payment
- $671.36
- Facility payment
- $671.36
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 33971 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (11.69 + 5.64 + 2.77) × $33.4009 ≈ $671.36. The same code in a facility setting pays about $671.36 because facility PE RVU (5.64) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 33971 non-facility payment from $599.31 to $837.29 across CMS localities — from Nebraska 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 33971?
11.69. 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 33971 in 2026?
About $671.36 non-facility ($671.36 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 (11.69) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (5.64 office vs 5.64 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.