CPT code 26843: Hand joint fusion, carpometacarpal, not thumb2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Fresno, CA
Fusion of a carpometacarpal joint in the hand other than the thumb, reported when the surgeon permanently joins that joint.
In Fresno, CA, Medicare pays $793.11 for 26843 in a facility. There’s no office rate.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 26843 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 26843 covers
An orthopedic or hand surgeon uses this service to fuse a carpometacarpal joint other than the thumb’s. The surgeon prepares the joint surfaces and stabilizes them to promote bony union. Typical situations include a painful, arthritic or unstable joint at the base of a finger metacarpal. The procedure is generally performed in an operating room; fixation may be used. This code is for the fusion without autogenous bone grafting.
Select the code based on the joint fused: this code identifies a nonthumb carpometacarpal joint, while 26844 is the graft counterpart. Document the specific joint, the reason for fusion, and the operative work supporting arthrodesis. The 90-day global period includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. Modifier 50 is inappropriate. An assistant at surgery may be paid; co-surgeons require supporting documentation, and team surgery is 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 Fresno, CA compares for 26843
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the facility rate for 26843 runs from $678.18 in Arkansas to $976.51 in San Benito County, CA. Fresno, CA pays $793.11. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Fresno, CA · this page$793.11
- Bakersfield, CA · California$797.56+$4.45
- Chico, CA · California$793.11
- El Centro, CA · California$793.38+$0.27
- Hanford, CA · California$793.11
- Los Angeles, CA · California$846.30+$53.19
- Madera, CA · California$793.11
Other areas in California first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Merced, CACalifornia | — | $793.11 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | — | $793.11 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | — | $905.80 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | — | $840.33 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | — | $793.11 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | — | $793.11 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | — | $810.51 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | — | $828.87 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | — | $825.76 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | — | $842.92 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | — | $953.76 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | — | $951.92 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | — | $976.51 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | — | $968.99 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | — | $812.97 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | — | $849.09 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | — | $828.23 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | — | $857.38 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | — | $793.11 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | — | $903.15 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | — | $793.11 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | — | $793.11 |
| Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia | — | $871.59 |
| Miami, FLFlorida | — | $871.23 |
| Chicago, ILIllinois | — | $843.71 |
| Manhattan, NYNew York | — | $892.32 |
| AlaskaAlaska | — | $902.04 |
| AlabamaAlabama | — | $688.33 |
| ArkansasArkansas | — | $678.18 |
| ArizonaArizona | — | $747.45 |
| ColoradoColorado | — | $790.31 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | — | $821.56 |
| DelawareDelaware | — | $759.82 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | — | $819.28 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | — | $776.45 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | — | $788.58 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | — | $730.06 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | — | $810.06 |
| IowaIowa | — | $697.66 |
| IdahoIdaho | — | $704.09 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | — | $787.47 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | — | $759.83 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | — | $825.58 |
| IndianaIndiana | — | $708.02 |
| KansasKansas | — | $698.37 |
| KentuckyKentucky | — | $713.68 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | — | $749.66 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | — | $714.16 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | — | $863.61 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | — | $787.11 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | — | $820.16 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | — | $773.20 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | — | $712.15 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | — | $745.43 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | — | $790.51 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | — | $736.35 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | — | $744.86 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | — | $740.13 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | — | $747.49 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | — | $704.40 |
| MississippiMississippi | — | $691.23 |
| MontanaMontana | — | $769.45 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | — | $719.07 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | — | $737.42 |
| NebraskaNebraska | — | $700.33 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | — | $781.73 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | — | $863.12 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | — | $827.44 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | — | $742.09 |
| NevadaNevada | — | $760.98 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | — | $919.46 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | — | $836.21 |
| Queens, NYNew York | — | $893.77 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | — | $730.39 |
| OhioOhio | — | $729.80 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | — | $708.06 |
| Portland, OROregon | — | $811.04 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | — | $751.64 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | — | $803.50 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | — | $728.70 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | — | $773.83 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | — | $783.77 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | — | $726.33 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | — | $733.63 |
| TennesseeTennessee | — | $702.47 |
| Austin, TXTexas | — | $790.69 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | — | $724.14 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | — | $755.52 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | — | $762.31 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | — | $758.39 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | — | $759.04 |
| Houston, TXTexas | — | $788.70 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | — | $740.75 |
| UtahUtah | — | $736.32 |
| VirginiaVirginia | — | $745.80 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | — | $773.83 |
| VermontVermont | — | $738.21 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | — | $784.40 |
| King County, WAWashington | — | $877.19 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | — | $712.71 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | — | $732.36 |
| WyomingWyoming | — | $755.49 |
26843 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.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | No published base rate | 1 |
| AL | No published base rate | 1 |
| AR | No published base rate | 1 |
| AZ | No published base rate | 1 |
| CA | No published base rate | 29 |
| CO | No published base rate | 1 |
| CT | No published base rate | 1 |
| DC | No published base rate | 1 |
| DE | No published base rate | 1 |
| FL | No published base rate | 3 |
| GA | No published base rate | 2 |
| GU | No published base rate | 1 |
| HI | No published base rate | 1 |
| IA | No published base rate | 1 |
| ID | No published base rate | 1 |
| IL | No published base rate | 4 |
| IN | No published base rate | 1 |
| KS | No published base rate | 1 |
| KY | No published base rate | 1 |
| LA | No published base rate | 2 |
| MA | No published base rate | 2 |
| MD | No published base rate | 3 |
| ME | No published base rate | 2 |
| MI | No published base rate | 2 |
| MN | No published base rate | 1 |
| MO | No published base rate | 3 |
| MS | No published base rate | 1 |
| MT | No published base rate | 1 |
| NC | No published base rate | 1 |
| ND | No published base rate | 1 |
| NE | No published base rate | 1 |
| NH | No published base rate | 1 |
| NJ | No published base rate | 2 |
| NM | No published base rate | 1 |
| NV | No published base rate | 1 |
| NY | No published base rate | 5 |
| OH | No published base rate | 1 |
| OK | No published base rate | 1 |
| OR | No published base rate | 2 |
| PA | No published base rate | 2 |
| PR | No published base rate | 1 |
| RI | No published base rate | 1 |
| SC | No published base rate | 1 |
| SD | No published base rate | 1 |
| TN | No published base rate | 1 |
| TX | No published base rate | 8 |
| UT | No published base rate | 1 |
| VA | No published base rate | 2 |
| VI | No published base rate | 1 |
| VT | No published base rate | 1 |
| WA | No published base rate | 2 |
| WI | No published base rate | 1 |
| WV | No published base rate | 1 |
| WY | No published base rate | 1 |
How the 26843 rate is calculated
Each of 26843’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 · 26843
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work7.59
7.59 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense13.83
13.83 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice1.62
1.62 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
23.0400
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$769.56
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Fresno, CA inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
2,694
- Code
- 26843
- Physician work
- 7.59
- Practice expense
- 13.83
- Malpractice
- 1.62
GPCI2026.csv
11
- Locality
- Fresno, CA
- Physician work
- 1.017
- Practice expense
- 1.096
- Malpractice
- 0.536
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 7.59 | × 1.017 | 7.7190 |
| Practice expense | 13.83 | × 1.096 | 15.1577 |
| Malpractice | 1.62 | × 0.536 | 0.8683 |
| Total RVUs | 23.7450 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Facility rate, Fresno, CA$793.11
Facility: (7.59 × 1.017 + 13.83 × 1.096 + 1.62 × 0.536) × $33.4009 = $793.11
Payment rules and modifiers for 26843
26843 has a 90-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.
CMS payment indicators · 26843
Hand joint fusion, carpometacarpal, not thumb
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 090 | Major surgery: the day before, the day of, and 90 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) | 2 | Paid. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 1 | Permitted with supporting documentation. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
| Split (54/55/56) | 0.10/0.69/0.21 | Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care. |
Global surgery period · 26843
Hand joint fusion, carpometacarpal, not thumb
90-day global period ends
Dec 30, 2026
Covers Sep 30, 2026 through Dec 30, 2026 (92 days, including the day before surgery).
Visit on Oct 31, 2026
Day 30 of the 90-day post-op period: related follow-up care is included in the surgical payment.
Pre-op dayGlobal period
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 51 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
26843 without 51 · national facility
$769.56
Hand joint fusion, carpometacarpal, not thumb
26843-51 · Second procedure: 50%
$384.78
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 26843 has changed in Fresno, CA
26843 · Office / nonfacility
Rate unavailable
Effective 2026-10-01
A rate is unavailable in one of these releases, so a change cannot be calculated.
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
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $793.11 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $793.11 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $793.11 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $793.11 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $790.61 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $790.61 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $790.61 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $790.61 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $817.07 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $817.07 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $817.07 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | Not available in this setting | $817.07 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $803.74 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $828.87 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $828.87 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $828.87 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $828.87 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $839.75 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $839.75 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $839.75 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $839.75 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $829.69 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $829.69 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $829.69 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $829.69 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $796.06 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $796.06 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $796.06 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $796.06 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $764.09 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $764.09 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $762.87 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $762.87 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $766.14 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $766.14 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $766.14 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $766.14 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Not available in this setting | $764.30 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Not available in this setting | $764.30 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Not available in this setting | $764.30 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Not available in this setting | $764.30 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Not available in this setting | Rate data unavailable | RVU13AR |
Where the Fresno, CA rate applies
Fresno, CA is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 45 cities and communities in California. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Fresno
- Auberry
- Big Creek
- Biola
- Bowles
- Calwa
- Cantua Creek
- Caruthers
26843 billing questions
How is this different from the thumb fusion codes?
This code is for a carpometacarpal joint other than the thumb’s. Thumb carpometacarpal fusion is reported with 26841 or, when autogenous bone graft is used, 26842.
When is 26844 used instead?
Use 26844 for fusion of a nonthumb carpometacarpal joint when autogenous bone graft is used. Document the graft and the joint fused.
Can modifier 50 be appended for both hands?
No. CMS identifies the bilateral adjustment as inapplicable for this descriptor or anatomy, so modifier 50 is inappropriate.
What postoperative care is included?
The 90-day global period includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care.
How are other procedures in the same session paid?
The highest-valued procedure is paid in full, and other procedures are subject to the standard multiple procedure reduction at 50%. An assistant at surgery may be paid.
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
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