CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 73721 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Mri jnt of lwr extre w/o dye — 1.32 work RVU, about $204.41 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 1.32
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 4.71
- PE RVU (facility)
- 4.71
- MP RVU
- 0.09
- Office payment
- $204.41
- Facility payment
- $204.41
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 73721 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (1.32 + 4.71 + 0.09) × $33.4009 ≈ $204.41. The same code in a facility setting pays about $204.41 because facility PE RVU (4.71) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 73721 non-facility payment from $180.77 to $277.4 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 73721?
1.32. 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 73721 in 2026?
About $204.41 non-facility ($204.41 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 (1.32) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (4.71 office vs 4.71 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.