CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 50546 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Laparoscopic nephrectomy — 21.32 work RVU, about $1,079.18 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 21.32
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 8.03
- PE RVU (facility)
- 8.03
- MP RVU
- 2.96
- Office payment
- $1,079.18
- Facility payment
- $1,079.18
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 50546 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (21.32 + 8.03 + 2.96) × $33.4009 ≈ $1,079.18. The same code in a facility setting pays about $1,079.18 because facility PE RVU (8.03) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 50546 non-facility payment from $993.42 to $1,408.28 across CMS localities — from Arkansas to Alaska. 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 50546?
21.32. 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 50546 in 2026?
About $1,079.18 non-facility ($1,079.18 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 (21.32) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (8.03 office vs 8.03 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.