CPT code 17281: Lesion destruction, face and related sites, 0.6–1.0 cm2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Iowa
Reports destruction by any method of a malignant lesion measuring 0.6–1.0 cm on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane.
In Iowa, Medicare pays $162.42 for 17281 in the office and $93.04 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 17281 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 17281 covers
This code describes destruction of a malignant skin lesion by a method such as electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, laser treatment, or chemical treatment. It applies to a lesion on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane when its diameter falls in the 0.6–1.0 cm range. Dermatologists commonly perform the service in an office; surgeons may also perform it in office or facility settings. The diagnosis and treated site should support malignant-lesion treatment rather than destruction of a benign or premalignant lesion.
Choose the code by the lesion’s anatomic site and documented diameter, not by the destruction method. Record the site, size, malignant diagnosis, and method in the procedure note; report each treated lesion according to applicable CPT instructions. Medicare assigns a 10-day global period, so related postoperative visits during that period are included. For multiple procedures in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this code. Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery, and co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How Iowa compares for 17281
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 17281 runs from $156.82 in Arkansas to $228.53 in San Benito County, CA. Iowa pays $162.42. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Iowa · this page$162.42
- Los Angeles, CA · California$196.29+$33.87
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$199.03+$36.61
- Miami, FL · Florida$188.62+$26.20
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$183.67+$21.25
- Manhattan, NY · New York$200.51+$38.09
- Alaska · Alaska$208.97+$46.55
Other areas in Iowa first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $158.90 | $92.56 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $156.82 | $91.69 |
| ArizonaArizona | $171.07 | $97.60 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $184.97 | $101.88 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $184.47 | $101.37 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $211.78 | $111.85 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $195.20 | $105.58 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $186.30 | $103.20 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $193.04 | $104.86 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $192.30 | $104.43 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $196.42 | $105.74 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $223.65 | $116.74 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $223.46 | $116.55 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $228.53 | $119.20 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $227.74 | $118.41 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $189.26 | $102.90 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $197.99 | $105.87 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $192.91 | $104.51 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $199.97 | $106.86 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $211.51 | $111.57 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $184.44 | $101.35 |
| ColoradoColorado | $181.97 | $101.29 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $186.32 | $104.66 |
| DelawareDelaware | $173.73 | $98.82 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $181.40 | $104.59 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $173.29 | $100.80 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $178.46 | $101.43 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $164.36 | $96.73 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $188.29 | $102.09 |
| IdahoIdaho | $163.41 | $93.66 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $172.16 | $102.41 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $168.82 | $99.59 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $183.16 | $105.30 |
| IndianaIndiana | $164.27 | $93.98 |
| KansasKansas | $161.80 | $93.26 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $162.45 | $95.05 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $169.53 | $98.18 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $162.25 | $95.15 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $198.81 | $108.28 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $181.06 | $101.22 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $185.79 | $104.44 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $176.81 | $100.08 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $164.26 | $94.50 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $172.25 | $97.11 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $175.33 | $102.17 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $166.35 | $97.13 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $174.60 | $96.58 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $168.40 | $97.20 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $170.00 | $97.81 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $159.77 | $94.41 |
| MississippiMississippi | $158.32 | $93.04 |
| MontanaMontana | $175.34 | $99.52 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $165.81 | $95.07 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $171.98 | $96.16 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $163.21 | $93.23 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $179.23 | $100.30 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $197.28 | $109.33 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $188.51 | $105.72 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $167.21 | $97.68 |
| NevadaNevada | $174.52 | $98.62 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $205.07 | $114.92 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $189.78 | $106.75 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $201.93 | $112.31 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $168.07 | $96.04 |
| OhioOhio | $165.67 | $96.44 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $162.12 | $94.41 |
| Portland, OROregon | $187.25 | $103.01 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $173.22 | $97.70 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $182.08 | $103.15 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $165.87 | $96.26 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $176.50 | $99.85 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $179.53 | $101.21 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $166.00 | $95.94 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $171.58 | $95.76 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $162.54 | $93.62 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $181.31 | $101.10 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $164.88 | $95.88 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $173.56 | $98.42 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $174.62 | $99.10 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $173.58 | $98.82 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $174.06 | $98.77 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $177.17 | $101.88 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $169.10 | $97.14 |
| UtahUtah | $168.06 | $96.79 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $171.78 | $97.25 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $176.50 | $99.85 |
| VermontVermont | $171.43 | $96.37 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $180.68 | $100.84 |
| King County, WAWashington | $202.60 | $109.57 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $166.73 | $94.09 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $163.14 | $97.26 |
| WyomingWyoming | $173.88 | $98.06 |
17281 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$156.82
$208.97
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $208.97 | 1 |
| AL | $158.90 | 1 |
| AR | $156.82 | 1 |
| AZ | $171.07 | 1 |
| CA | $184.44–$228.53 | 29 |
| CO | $181.97 | 1 |
| CT | $186.32 | 1 |
| DC | $199.03 | 1 |
| DE | $173.73 | 1 |
| FL | $173.29–$188.62 | 3 |
| GA | $164.36–$178.46 | 2 |
| GU | $188.29 | 1 |
| HI | $188.29 | 1 |
| IA | $162.42 | 1 |
| ID | $163.41 | 1 |
| IL | $168.82–$183.67 | 4 |
| IN | $164.27 | 1 |
| KS | $161.80 | 1 |
| KY | $162.45 | 1 |
| LA | $162.25–$169.53 | 2 |
| MA | $181.06–$198.81 | 2 |
| MD | $176.81–$199.03 | 3 |
| ME | $164.26–$172.25 | 2 |
| MI | $166.35–$175.33 | 2 |
| MN | $174.60 | 1 |
| MO | $159.77–$170.00 | 3 |
| MS | $158.32 | 1 |
| MT | $175.34 | 1 |
| NC | $165.81 | 1 |
| ND | $171.98 | 1 |
| NE | $163.21 | 1 |
| NH | $179.23 | 1 |
| NJ | $188.51–$197.28 | 2 |
| NM | $167.21 | 1 |
| NV | $174.52 | 1 |
| NY | $168.07–$205.07 | 5 |
| OH | $165.67 | 1 |
| OK | $162.12 | 1 |
| OR | $173.22–$187.25 | 2 |
| PA | $165.87–$182.08 | 2 |
| PR | $176.50 | 1 |
| RI | $179.53 | 1 |
| SC | $166.00 | 1 |
| SD | $171.58 | 1 |
| TN | $162.54 | 1 |
| TX | $164.88–$181.31 | 8 |
| UT | $168.06 | 1 |
| VA | $171.78–$199.03 | 2 |
| VI | $176.50 | 1 |
| VT | $171.43 | 1 |
| WA | $180.68–$202.60 | 2 |
| WI | $166.73 | 1 |
| WV | $163.14 | 1 |
| WY | $173.88 | 1 |
How the 17281 rate is calculated
Each of 17281’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 17281
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.73
1.73 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense3.35
3.35 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.17
0.17 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
5.2500
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$175.35
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Iowa inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
1,641
- Code
- 17281
- Physician work
- 1.73
- Practice expense
- 3.35
- Malpractice
- 0.17
GPCI2026.csv
53
- Locality
- Iowa
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.915
- Malpractice
- 0.397
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.73 | × 1.000 | 1.7300 |
| Practice expense | 3.35 | × 0.915 | 3.0653 |
| Malpractice | 0.17 | × 0.397 | 0.0675 |
| Total RVUs | 4.8627 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Iowa$162.42
Office: (1.73 × 1 + 3.35 × 0.915 + 0.17 × 0.397) × $33.4009 = $162.42
Facility: (1.73 × 1 + 1.08 × 0.915 + 0.17 × 0.397) × $33.4009 = $93.04
Payment rules and modifiers for 17281
17281 has a 10-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.
CMS payment indicators · 17281
Lesion destruction, face and related sites, 0.6–1.0 cm
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 010 | Minor procedure: the day of the procedure plus 10 days after are included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
| Split (54/55/56) | 0.10/0.80/0.10 | Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care. |
Global surgery period · 17281
Lesion destruction, face and related sites, 0.6–1.0 cm
10-day global period ends
Oct 11, 2026
Covers Oct 1, 2026 through Oct 11, 2026 (11 days).
Visit on Oct 31, 2026
After the global period ends: visits and procedures are billed normally.
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 51 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
17281 without 51 · national office
$175.35
Lesion destruction, face and related sites, 0.6–1.0 cm
17281-51 · Second procedure: 50%
$87.68
When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).
How 17281 has changed in Iowa
17281 · Office / nonfacility
$162.42
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $0.32 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $162.10 to $162.42 (0.2%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$162.10changed to$162.42
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.77 changed to 1.73
- Practice expense RVU 3.46 changed to 3.35
- Malpractice RVU 0.18 changed to 0.17
- Practice expense GPCI 0.913 changed to 0.915
- Malpractice GPCI 0.457 changed to 0.397
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$167.27changed to$162.10
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 3.47 changed to 3.46
- Malpractice RVU 0.19 changed to 0.18
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$164.54changed to$167.27
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$168.90changed to$164.54
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 3.44 changed to 3.47
- Practice expense GPCI 0.910 changed to 0.913
- Malpractice GPCI 0.441 changed to 0.457
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$169.99changed to$168.90
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 3.38 changed to 3.44
- Malpractice RVU 0.18 changed to 0.19
- Practice expense GPCI 0.907 changed to 0.910
- Malpractice GPCI 0.425 changed to 0.441
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$169.52changed to$169.99
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 3.33 changed to 3.38
- Malpractice RVU 0.16 changed to 0.18
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$168.78changed to$169.52
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 3.13 changed to 3.33
- Malpractice GPCI 0.424 changed to 0.425
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$167.78changed to$168.78
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 3.06 changed to 3.13
- Malpractice RVU 0.26 changed to 0.16
- Malpractice GPCI 0.423 changed to 0.424
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$167.27changed to$167.78
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 3.05 changed to 3.06
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$165.56changed to$167.27
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 3.02 changed to 3.05
- Practice expense GPCI 0.902 changed to 0.907
- Malpractice GPCI 0.458 changed to 0.423
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$164.20changed to$165.56
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 3.00 changed to 3.02
- Practice expense GPCI 0.896 changed to 0.902
- Malpractice GPCI 0.493 changed to 0.458
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$164.59changed to$164.20
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 3.01 changed to 3.00
- Malpractice RVU 0.23 changed to 0.26
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$163.77changed to$164.59
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$160.97changed to$163.77
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 2.92 changed to 3.01
- Malpractice RVU 0.25 changed to 0.23
- Practice expense GPCI 0.892 changed to 0.896
- Malpractice GPCI 0.475 changed to 0.493
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$164.14changed to$160.97
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 3.31 changed to 2.92
- Malpractice RVU 0.26 changed to 0.25
- Practice expense GPCI 0.887 changed to 0.892
- Malpractice GPCI 0.456 changed to 0.475
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $164.14
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $162.42 | $93.04 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $162.42 | $93.04 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $162.42 | $93.04 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $162.42 | $93.04 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $162.10 | $108.05 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $162.10 | $108.05 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $162.10 | $108.05 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $162.10 | $108.05 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $167.27 | $109.83 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $167.27 | $109.83 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $167.27 | $109.83 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $167.27 | $109.83 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $164.54 | $108.04 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $168.90 | $110.62 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $168.90 | $110.62 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $168.90 | $110.62 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $168.90 | $110.62 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $169.99 | $110.35 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $169.99 | $110.35 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $169.99 | $110.35 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $169.99 | $110.35 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $169.52 | $110.97 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $169.52 | $110.97 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $169.52 | $110.97 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $169.52 | $110.97 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $168.78 | $114.77 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $168.78 | $114.77 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $168.78 | $114.77 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $168.78 | $114.77 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $167.78 | $117.11 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $167.78 | $117.11 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $167.78 | $117.11 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $167.78 | $117.11 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $167.27 | $118.62 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $167.27 | $118.62 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $167.27 | $118.62 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $167.27 | $118.62 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $165.56 | $118.62 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $165.56 | $118.62 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $165.56 | $118.62 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $165.56 | $118.62 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $164.20 | $117.69 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $164.20 | $117.69 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $164.20 | $117.69 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $164.20 | $117.69 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $164.59 | $117.90 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $164.59 | $117.90 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $163.77 | $117.32 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $163.77 | $117.32 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $160.97 | $116.23 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $160.97 | $116.23 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $160.97 | $116.23 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $160.97 | $116.23 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $164.14 | $115.56 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $164.14 | $115.56 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $164.14 | $115.56 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $164.14 | $115.56 | RVU13AR |
Where the Iowa rate applies
Iowa is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 1026 cities and communities in Iowa. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
17281 billing questions
How is this code distinguished from 17280?
Both cover destruction of a malignant lesion at the same group of sites. Use 17280 for a lesion measuring 0.5 cm or less; this code is for 0.6–1.0 cm.
When should 17271 be used instead?
17271 covers a 0.6–1.0 cm malignant lesion on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. This code applies to the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane.
Can the destruction method change the code?
No. The code selection turns on the lesion’s size and site; the procedure note should identify the method used.
Are related postoperative visits separately reported?
Related postoperative visits during the 10-day global period are included in the procedure.
Can modifier 50 or an assistant-at-surgery claim be reported?
Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this code. Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery, and co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
How are other procedures performed in the same session paid?
The highest-valued procedure is paid in full; other procedures are subject to the standard multiple-procedure reduction.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
Fee sheets
Put 17281 and the rest of your codes on one sheet
Your codes at your locality, with payer contracts beside Medicare.
Build my fee sheet