CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 44970 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Laparoscopy appendectomy — 9.21 work RVU, about $578.17 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 9.21
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 5.72
- PE RVU (facility)
- 5.72
- MP RVU
- 2.38
- Office payment
- $578.17
- Facility payment
- $578.17
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 44970 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (9.21 + 5.72 + 2.38) × $33.4009 ≈ $578.17. The same code in a facility setting pays about $578.17 because facility PE RVU (5.72) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 44970 non-facility payment from $512.68 to $708.71 across CMS localities — from Arkansas to Alaska. Check your exact locality in the GPCI calculator rather than using a state average.
Related codes
Going deeper: in-depth CPT 44970 RVU guide.
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 44970?
9.21. 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 44970 in 2026?
About $578.17 non-facility ($578.17 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 (9.21) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (5.72 office vs 5.72 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.