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CPT code 28222: Tendon release, single extensor tendon2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Washington, DC area

Reports surgical freeing of adhesions around one foot extensor tendon when scar tissue restricts tendon glide after injury or prior surgery.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality139 Medicare services in 2024

In Washington, DC area, Medicare pays $615.54 for 28222 in the office and $386.55 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$615.54Office (non-facility)
$386.55Hospital or facility
+13.3%vs the national office rate ($543.43)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 28222 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 28222 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Washington, DC area
  2. What 28222 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 28222 covers

28222 represents surgical freeing of adhesions that tether one extensor tendon in the foot and limit its movement. An orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon or podiatric surgeon may perform it when scarring after an injury or prior tendon procedure restricts tendon glide. The operative work addresses the adhesions around the tendon; it is not tendon division or tendon repair.

Choose this code for one extensor tendon. Documentation should identify the tendon and foot, describe the adhesions and restricted glide, and record the release performed. The multiple-tendon extensor service is 28226; flexor tendon services are coded separately by tendon type and count. CMS assigns a 90-day global period, including the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. When multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued is paid in full and others at 50%. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Assistant-at-surgery payment is restricted; 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 Washington, DC area compares for 28222

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 28222 runs from $486.15 in Arkansas to $702.55 in San Benito County, CA. Washington, DC area pays $615.54. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

28222 in Washington, DC area vs other payment areas
  1. Washington, DC area · this page$615.54
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$605.48−$10.06
  3. Miami, FL · Florida$588.83−$26.71
  4. Chicago, IL · Illinois$573.24−$42.30
  5. Manhattan, NY · New York$621.85+$6.31
  6. Alaska · Alaska$649.77+$34.23
  7. Alabama · Alabama$492.57−$122.97

Other areas in District of Columbia first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

28222 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
ArkansasArkansas$486.15$319.17
ArizonaArizona$530.07$341.70
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$571.06$358.01
Chico, CACalifornia$569.18$356.12
El Centro, CACalifornia$569.28$356.22
Fresno, CACalifornia$569.18$356.12
Hanford, CACalifornia$569.18$356.12
Madera, CACalifornia$569.18$356.12

28222 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

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.

$486.15

$649.77

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
28222 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$649.771
AL$492.571
AR$486.151
AZ$530.071
CA$569.18–$702.5529
CO$562.591
CT$577.331
DC$615.541
DE$538.261
FL$539.11–$588.833
GA$511.23–$553.522
GU$580.611
HI$580.611
IA$502.471
ID$505.721
IL$525.95–$573.244
IN$508.331
KS$501.001
KY$504.491
LA$504.04–$526.482
MA$559.99–$613.842
MD$547.63–$615.543
ME$508.80–$532.782
MI$516.96–$545.912
MN$538.571
MO$496.66–$527.393
MS$491.461
MT$543.391
NC$513.511
ND$531.131
NE$504.761
NH$554.581
NJ$583.77–$610.272
NM$519.791
NV$540.311
NY$520.53–$636.515
OH$514.451
OK$502.971
OR$535.94–$578.322
PA$514.82–$564.542
PR$546.811
RI$555.821
SC$514.871
SD$529.681
TN$503.361
TX$511.81–$560.888
UT$521.221
VA$531.65–$615.542
VI$546.811
VT$529.851
WA$558.68–$625.082
WI$515.031
WV$508.471
WY$538.051

See 28222 in every payment locality

How the 28222 rate is calculated

Each of 28222’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 · 28222

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work5.62

5.62 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense10.03

10.03 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.62

0.62 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

16.2700

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$543.43

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Washington, DC area inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

3,152

Code
28222
Physician work
5.62
Practice expense
10.03
Malpractice
0.62

GPCI2026.csv

39

Locality
Washington, DC area
Physician work
1.054
Practice expense
1.178
Malpractice
1.113
Office calculation for 28222 in Washington, DC area
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work5.62× 1.0545.9235
Practice expense10.03× 1.17811.8153
Malpractice0.62× 1.1130.6901
Total RVUs18.4289
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Washington, DC area$615.54

Office: (5.62 × 1.054 + 10.03 × 1.178 + 0.62 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $615.54

Facility: (5.62 × 1.054 + 4.21 × 1.178 + 0.62 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $386.55

Open 28222 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 28222

28222 has a 90-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.

CMS payment indicators · 28222

Tendon release, single extensor tendon

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period090Major surgery: the day before, the day of, and 90 days after are included.
Multiple procedures2Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%.
Bilateral (modifier 50)1Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)1Not paid (statutory restriction).
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.
Split (54/55/56)0.10/0.69/0.21Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care.

Global surgery period · 28222

Tendon release, single extensor tendon

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.

  • 24Unrelated E/M visit by the same physician
  • 79Unrelated procedure (starts its own global period)
  • 58Staged, more extensive, or therapy procedure that was planned
  • 78Unplanned return to the operating room for a related complication
SurgeryVisit
Sep 23, 2026Jan 10, 2027

Pre-op dayGlobal period

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 50 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

28222 without 50 · national office

$543.43

Tendon release, single extensor tendon

28222-50 · Bilateral: 150%

$815.14

Both sides on one line with modifier 50 are paid at 150% of the fee schedule amount (subject to multiple-procedure rules with other procedures).

When to use modifier 50

Codes related to 28222

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 28222
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Washington, DC area
Same family
28220Foot tendon release, single tendonSingle-tendon adhesiolysis for a foot flexor tendon rather than an extensor tendon.$506.26
28225Tendon release, flexor tendonMultiple-tendon adhesiolysis for foot flexor tendons.$467.44
28226Tendon release, multiple flexor tendonsMultiple-tendon adhesiolysis for foot extensor tendons.$762.81

How 28222 has changed in Washington, DC area

28222 · Office / nonfacility

$615.54

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $21.57 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $593.97 to $615.54 (3.6%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

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

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $593.97changed to$615.54

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 5.76 changed to 5.62
    • Practice expense RVU 9.68 changed to 10.03
    • Malpractice RVU 0.63 changed to 0.62
    • Work GPCI 1.057 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.192 changed to 1.178
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.168 changed to 1.113

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $614.81changed to$593.97

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 9.76 changed to 9.68
    • Malpractice RVU 0.64 changed to 0.63

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $604.78changed to$614.81

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $614.97changed to$604.78

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 9.35 changed to 9.76
    • Malpractice RVU 0.58 changed to 0.64
    • Work GPCI 1.056 changed to 1.057
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.214 changed to 1.192
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.231 changed to 1.168

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $623.21changed to$614.97

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 9.03 changed to 9.35
    • Malpractice RVU 0.60 changed to 0.58
    • Work GPCI 1.054 changed to 1.056
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.236 changed to 1.214
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.294 changed to 1.231

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $630.84changed to$623.21

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 9.15 changed to 9.03
    • Malpractice RVU 0.54 changed to 0.60

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $625.00changed to$630.84

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 8.67 changed to 9.15
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.221 changed to 1.236
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.277 changed to 1.294

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $617.01changed to$625.00

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 8.70 changed to 8.67
    • Malpractice RVU 0.49 changed to 0.54
    • Work GPCI 1.045 changed to 1.049
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.221
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.261 changed to 1.277

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $608.05changed to$617.01

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 8.53 changed to 8.70
    • Malpractice RVU 0.47 changed to 0.49

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $602.60changed to$608.05

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 8.45 changed to 8.53
    • Malpractice RVU 0.45 changed to 0.47
    • Work GPCI 1.048 changed to 1.045
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.271 changed to 1.261

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $599.76changed to$602.60

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 8.41 changed to 8.45
    • Malpractice RVU 0.44 changed to 0.45
    • Work GPCI 1.051 changed to 1.048
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.280 changed to 1.271

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $598.49changed to$599.76

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 8.32 changed to 8.41
    • Malpractice RVU 0.45 changed to 0.44

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $595.51changed to$598.49

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $596.49changed to$595.51

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 8.34 changed to 8.32
    • Malpractice RVU 0.48 changed to 0.45
    • Work GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.051
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.202 changed to 1.205
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.280

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $600.60changed to$596.49

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 9.22 changed to 8.34
    • Malpractice RVU 0.50 changed to 0.48
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.050
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.198 changed to 1.202
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.130 changed to 1.205

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $600.60

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$615.54$386.55RVU26D
2026-07-01$615.54$386.55RVU26C
2026-04-01$615.54$386.55RVU26B
2026-01-01$615.54$386.55RVU26A
2025-10-01$593.97$409.28RVU25D
2025-07-01$593.97$409.28RVU25C
2025-04-01$593.97$409.28RVU25B
2025-01-01$593.97$409.28RVU25A
2024-10-01$614.81$418.80RVU24D
2024-07-01$614.81$418.80RVU24C
2024-04-01$614.81$418.80RVU24B
2024-03-09$614.81$418.80RVU24AR
2024-01-01$604.78$411.96RVU24A
2023-10-01$614.97$416.26RVU23D
2023-07-01$614.97$416.26RVU23C
2023-04-01$614.97$416.26RVU23B
2023-01-01$614.97$416.26RVU23A
2022-10-01$623.21$417.89RVU22D
2022-07-01$623.21$417.89RVU22C
2022-04-01$623.21$417.89RVU22B
2022-01-01$623.21$417.89RVU22A
2021-10-01$630.84$416.06RVU21D
2021-07-01$630.84$416.06RVU21C
2021-04-01$630.84$416.06RVU21B
2021-01-01$630.84$416.06RVU21A
2020-10-01$625.00$418.77RVU20D
2020-07-01$625.00$418.77RVU20C
2020-04-01$625.00$418.77RVU20B
2020-01-01$625.00$418.77RVU20A
2019-10-01$617.01$412.47RVU19D
2019-07-01$617.01$412.47RVU19C
2019-04-01$617.01$412.47RVU19B
2019-01-01$617.01$412.47RVU19A
2018-10-01$608.05$406.34RVU18D
2018-07-01$608.05$406.34RVU18C
2018-04-01$608.05$406.34RVU18B
2018-01-01$608.05$406.34RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$602.60$403.66RVU17D
2017-07-01$602.60$403.66RVU17C
2017-04-01$602.60$403.66RVU17B
2017-01-01$602.60$403.66RVU17A
2016-10-01$599.76$402.16RVU16D
2016-07-01$599.76$402.16RVU16C
2016-04-01$599.76$402.16RVU16B
2016-01-01$599.76$402.16RVU16A
2015-10-01$598.49$401.04RVU15D
2015-07-01$598.49$401.04RVU15C
2015-04-01$595.51$399.04RVU15B
2015-01-01$595.51$399.04RVU15A
2014-10-01$596.49$401.43RVU14D
2014-07-01$596.49$401.43RVU14C
2014-04-01$596.49$401.43RVU14B
2014-01-01$596.49$401.43RVU14A
2013-10-01$600.60$394.77RVU13D
2013-07-01$600.60$394.77RVU13C
2013-04-01$600.60$394.77RVU13B
2013-01-01$600.60$394.77RVU13AR

Price 28222 for an earlier date of service

Where the Washington, DC area rate applies

Washington, DC area is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 1 cities and communities in District of Columbia. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Washington

Browse all communities in District of Columbia

28222 billing questions

When is 28222 appropriate instead of 28226?

Use 28222 when adhesiolysis involves one foot extensor tendon. 28226 is the corresponding service for multiple extensor tendons.

How does this differ from an extensor tenotomy?

28222 frees a tendon from adhesions while preserving tendon continuity. A tenotomy code describes cutting the tendon, not freeing it from scar tissue.

What should the operative note identify?

Document the foot and specific extensor tendon, the adhesions restricting its movement, and the surgical release performed.

Can modifier 50 be used when both feet are treated?

CMS identifies this as a bilateral procedure; reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%.

Is postoperative care separately included in the service?

The 90-day global period includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care.

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
RVUs for 28222PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 3,152 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Washington, DC areaGPCI2026.csv, line 39 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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