CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 36557 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Insert tunneled cv cath — 4.77 work RVU, about $1,262.22 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 4.77
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 31.74
- PE RVU (facility)
- 3.18
- MP RVU
- 1.28
- Office payment
- $1,262.22
- Facility payment
- $308.29
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 36557 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (4.77 + 31.74 + 1.28) × $33.4009 ≈ $1,262.22. The same code in a facility setting pays about $308.29 because facility PE RVU (3.18) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 36557 non-facility payment from $1,092 to $1,728.49 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 36557?
4.77. 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 36557 in 2026?
About $1,262.22 non-facility ($308.29 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 (4.77) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (31.74 office vs 3.18 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.