CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 72156 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Mri neck spine w/o & w/dye — 2.23 work RVU, about $317.98 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 2.23
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 7.13
- PE RVU (facility)
- 7.13
- MP RVU
- 0.16
- Office payment
- $317.98
- Facility payment
- $317.98
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 72156 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (2.23 + 7.13 + 0.16) × $33.4009 ≈ $317.98. The same code in a facility setting pays about $317.98 because facility PE RVU (7.13) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 72156 non-facility payment from $281.81 to $428.95 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 72156?
2.23. 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 72156 in 2026?
About $317.98 non-facility ($317.98 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 (2.23) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (7.13 office vs 7.13 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.