CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 33981 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Replace vad pump ext — 15.71 work RVU, about $757.87 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 15.71
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 3.23
- PE RVU (facility)
- 3.23
- MP RVU
- 3.75
- Office payment
- $757.87
- Facility payment
- $757.87
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 33981 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (15.71 + 3.23 + 3.75) × $33.4009 ≈ $757.87. The same code in a facility setting pays about $757.87 because facility PE RVU (3.23) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 33981 non-facility payment from $666.66 to $971 across CMS localities — from Wisconsin 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 33981?
15.71. 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 33981 in 2026?
About $757.87 non-facility ($757.87 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 (15.71) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (3.23 office vs 3.23 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.