CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 38500 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Biopsy/removal lymph nodes — 3.7 work RVU, about $369.41 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 3.7
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 6.46
- PE RVU (facility)
- 2.75
- MP RVU
- 0.9
- Office payment
- $369.41
- Facility payment
- $245.5
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 38500 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (3.7 + 6.46 + 0.9) × $33.4009 ≈ $369.41. The same code in a facility setting pays about $245.5 because facility PE RVU (2.75) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 38500 non-facility payment from $324.41 to $464.43 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 38500?
3.7. 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 38500 in 2026?
About $369.41 non-facility ($245.5 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 (3.7) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (6.46 office vs 2.75 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.