CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 35820 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Explore chest vessels — 35.97 work RVU, about $1,870.78 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 35.97
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 11.22
- PE RVU (facility)
- 11.22
- MP RVU
- 8.82
- Office payment
- $1,870.78
- Facility payment
- $1,870.78
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 35820 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (35.97 + 11.22 + 8.82) × $33.4009 ≈ $1,870.78. The same code in a facility setting pays about $1,870.78 because facility PE RVU (11.22) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 35820 non-facility payment from $1,651.18 to $2,363.59 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 35820?
35.97. 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 35820 in 2026?
About $1,870.78 non-facility ($1,870.78 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 (35.97) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (11.22 office vs 11.22 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.