CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 38550 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Removal neck/armpit lesion — 6.93 work RVU, about $517.71 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 6.93
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 6.72
- PE RVU (facility)
- 6.72
- MP RVU
- 1.85
- Office payment
- $517.71
- Facility payment
- $517.71
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 38550 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (6.93 + 6.72 + 1.85) × $33.4009 ≈ $517.71. The same code in a facility setting pays about $517.71 because facility PE RVU (6.72) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 38550 non-facility payment from $456.1 to $627.91 across CMS localities — from Arkansas to Nyc Suburbs/long Island. 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 38550?
6.93. 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 38550 in 2026?
About $517.71 non-facility ($517.71 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 (6.93) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (6.72 office vs 6.72 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.