CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 38300 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Drainage lymph node lesion — 2.3 work RVU, about $378.43 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 2.3
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 8.42
- PE RVU (facility)
- 3.56
- MP RVU
- 0.61
- Office payment
- $378.43
- Facility payment
- $216.1
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 38300 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (2.3 + 8.42 + 0.61) × $33.4009 ≈ $378.43. The same code in a facility setting pays about $216.1 because facility PE RVU (3.56) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 38300 non-facility payment from $328.9 to $501.73 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 38300?
2.3. 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 38300 in 2026?
About $378.43 non-facility ($216.1 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 (2.3) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (8.42 office vs 3.56 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.