CPT / HCPCS code · 2026 CMS data · Verified 2026-08-31
CPT 88312 RVU and Medicare Payment (2026)
Special stains group 1 — 0.53 work RVU, about $109.55 non-facility Medicare payment at the 2026 conversion factor.
- Work RVU
- 0.53
- PE RVU (non-facility)
- 2.72
- PE RVU (facility)
- 2.72
- MP RVU
- 0.03
- Office payment
- $109.55
- Facility payment
- $109.55
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 88312 in a non-facility setting with national GPCI: (0.53 + 2.72 + 0.03) × $33.4009 ≈ $109.55. The same code in a facility setting pays about $109.55 because facility PE RVU (2.72) replaces office PE RVU.
What changes by locality
GPCI moves 88312 non-facility payment from $96.26 to $151.19 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 88312?
0.53. 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 88312 in 2026?
About $109.55 non-facility ($109.55 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 (0.53) and malpractice RVU stay fixed; only practice expense changes (2.72 office vs 2.72 facility). That is the entire office-vs-facility payment gap.