CPT code 28260: Midfoot release, midfoot joint capsule2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in El Centro, CA

Surgical release of a contracted midfoot joint capsule, sometimes with tendon lengthening, to address restricted motion or a fixed foot deformity.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality382 Medicare services in 2024

In El Centro, CA, Medicare pays $786.92 for 28260 in the office and $513.83 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$786.92Office (non-facility)
$513.83Hospital or facility
+3.8%vs the national office rate ($758.20)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 28260 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 28260 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in El Centro, CA
  2. What 28260 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 28260 covers

This operation releases a contracted capsule at a midfoot joint to improve joint motion or correct a fixed deformity. Tendon lengthening may be part of the correction. It is typically performed by an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon or podiatric surgeon in an operating room, with the operative report identifying the affected joint and the structures released.

Report 28260 when the documented work is a midfoot joint release; describe the contracture, operative extent, and any tendon lengthening performed. The service has a 90-day global period, including 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. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Assistant-at-surgery services may be paid; co-surgeon payment requires 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 El Centro, CA compares for 28260

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 28260 runs from $674.68 in Arkansas to $967.20 in San Benito County, CA. El Centro, CA pays $786.92. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

28260 in El Centro, CA vs other payment areas
  1. El Centro, CA · this page$786.92
  2. Bakersfield, CA · California$790.27+$3.35
  3. Chico, CA · California$786.71−$0.21
  4. Fresno, CA · California$786.71−$0.21
  5. Hanford, CA · California$786.71−$0.21
  6. Los Angeles, CA · California$837.56+$50.64
  7. Madera, CA · California$786.71−$0.21

Other areas in California first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

28260 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
Merced, CACalifornia$786.71$513.62
Modesto, CACalifornia$786.71$513.62
Napa, CACalifornia$897.71$569.30
Oxnard, CACalifornia$831.94$537.42
Redding, CACalifornia$786.71$513.62
Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia$786.71$513.62
Riverside, CACalifornia$800.11$527.02
Sacramento, CACalifornia$821.93$532.14

28260 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.

$674.68

$902.28

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

View every state and territory as a table
28260 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$902.281
AL$683.991
AR$674.681
AZ$738.291
CA$786.71–$967.2029
CO$781.131
CT$806.881
DC$857.381
DE$749.951
FL$759.24–$839.973
GA$717.56–$774.522
GU$802.401
HI$802.401
IA$694.981
ID$700.381
IL$742.38–$815.954
IN$704.071
KS$694.471
KY$704.741
LA$704.72–$737.292
MA$777.91–$851.872
MD$762.87–$857.383
ME$706.55–$738.872
MI$724.40–$770.872
MN$742.091
MO$695.04–$736.693
MS$684.851
MT$758.121
NC$713.101
ND$733.601
NE$697.801
NH$771.471
NJ$814.28–$849.822
NM$729.181
NV$751.731
NY$723.40–$895.815
OH$719.391
OK$700.821
OR$744.10–$801.812
PA$719.03–$789.442
PR$762.531
RI$773.651
SC$717.791
SD$730.701
TN$698.081
TX$714.77–$780.118
UT$726.981
VA$738.38–$857.382
VI$762.531
VT$733.241
WA$775.62–$866.092
WI$710.641
WV$717.111
WY$747.431

See 28260 in every payment locality

How the 28260 rate is calculated

Each of 28260’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 · 28260

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work7.99

7.99 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense13.47

13.47 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice1.24

1.24 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

22.7000

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$758.20

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

The exact El Centro, CA inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

3,161

Code
28260
Physician work
7.99
Practice expense
13.47
Malpractice
1.24

GPCI2026.csv

10

Locality
El Centro, CA
Physician work
1.017
Practice expense
1.096
Malpractice
0.541
Office calculation for 28260 in El Centro, CA
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work7.99× 1.0178.1258
Practice expense13.47× 1.09614.7631
Malpractice1.24× 0.5410.6708
Total RVUs23.5598
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, El Centro, CA$786.92

Office: (7.99 × 1.017 + 13.47 × 1.096 + 1.24 × 0.541) × $33.4009 = $786.92

Facility: (7.99 × 1.017 + 6.01 × 1.096 + 1.24 × 0.541) × $33.4009 = $513.83

Open 28260 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 28260

28260 has a 90-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.

CMS payment indicators · 28260

Midfoot release, midfoot joint capsule

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)2Paid.
Co-surgeons (62)1Permitted with supporting documentation.
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 · 28260

Midfoot release, midfoot joint capsule

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

28260 without 50 · national office

$758.20

Midfoot release, midfoot joint capsule

28260-50 · Bilateral: 150%

$1,137.30

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

How 28260 has changed in El Centro, CA

28260 · Office / nonfacility

$786.92

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $60.11 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $726.81 to $786.92 (8.3%).

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

    $726.81changed to$786.92

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 8.19 changed to 7.99
    • Practice expense RVU 12.36 changed to 13.47
    • Malpractice RVU 1.15 changed to 1.24
    • Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.017
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.093 changed to 1.096
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.570 changed to 0.541

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $756.71changed to$726.81

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 12.59 changed to 12.36
    • Malpractice RVU 1.17 changed to 1.15

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $744.36changed to$756.71

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $750.40changed to$744.36

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 12.15 changed to 12.59
    • Malpractice RVU 1.13 changed to 1.17
    • Work GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.014
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.093
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.595 changed to 0.570
  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $746.47changed to$750.40

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 11.71 changed to 12.15
    • Malpractice RVU 1.11 changed to 1.13
    • Work GPCI 1.027 changed to 1.021
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.065 changed to 1.079
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.620 changed to 0.595

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $746.33changed to$746.47

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 11.59 changed to 11.71
    • Malpractice RVU 1.03 changed to 1.11
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.616 changed to 0.620

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $749.36changed to$746.33

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 10.99 changed to 11.59
    • Malpractice RVU 1.02 changed to 1.03
    • Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.027
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.070 changed to 1.065
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.606 changed to 0.616

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $735.46changed to$749.36

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 10.74 changed to 10.99
    • Malpractice RVU 0.91 changed to 1.02
    • Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.024
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.074 changed to 1.070
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.570 changed to 0.606

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $735.12changed to$735.46

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 10.76 changed to 10.74
    • Malpractice RVU 0.90 changed to 0.91
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.567 changed to 0.570

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $742.88changed to$735.12

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 10.88 changed to 10.76
    • Malpractice RVU 0.94 changed to 0.90
    • Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.020
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.074
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.610 changed to 0.567

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    No ratechanged to$742.88

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: No rate

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$786.92$513.83RVU26D
2026-07-01$786.92$513.83RVU26C
2026-04-01$786.92$513.83RVU26B
2026-01-01$786.92$513.83RVU26A
2025-10-01$726.81$538.37RVU25D
2025-07-01$726.81$538.37RVU25C
2025-04-01$726.81$538.37RVU25B
2025-01-01$726.81$538.37RVU25A
2024-10-01$756.71$553.69RVU24D
2024-07-01$756.71$553.69RVU24C
2024-04-01$756.71$553.69RVU24B
2024-03-09$756.71$553.69RVU24AR
2024-01-01$744.36$544.65RVU24A
2023-10-01$750.40$548.57RVU23D
2023-07-01$750.40$548.57RVU23C
2023-04-01$750.40$548.57RVU23B
2023-01-01$750.40$548.57RVU23A
2022-10-01$746.47$545.24RVU22D
2022-07-01$746.47$545.24RVU22C
2022-04-01$746.47$545.24RVU22B
2022-01-01$746.47$545.24RVU22A
2021-10-01$746.33$538.97RVU21D
2021-07-01$746.33$538.97RVU21C
2021-04-01$746.33$538.97RVU21B
2021-01-01$746.33$538.97RVU21A
2020-10-01$749.36$547.40RVU20D
2020-07-01$749.36$547.40RVU20C
2020-04-01$749.36$547.40RVU20B
2020-01-01$749.36$547.40RVU20A
2019-10-01$735.46$536.12RVU19D
2019-07-01$735.46$536.12RVU19C
2019-04-01$735.46$536.12RVU19B
2019-01-01$735.46$536.12RVU19A
2018-10-01$735.12$535.23RVU18D
2018-07-01$735.12$535.23RVU18C
2018-04-01$735.12$535.23RVU18B
2018-01-01$735.12$535.23RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$742.88$541.90RVU17D
2017-07-01$742.88$541.90RVU17C
2017-04-01$742.88$541.90RVU17B
2017-01-01$742.88$541.90RVU17A
2016-10-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU16D
2016-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU16C
2016-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU16B
2016-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU16A
2015-10-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU15D
2015-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU15C
2015-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU15B
2015-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU15A
2014-10-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU14D
2014-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU14C
2014-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU14B
2014-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU14A
2013-10-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13D
2013-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13C
2013-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13B
2013-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13AR

Price 28260 for an earlier date of service

Where the El Centro, CA rate applies

El Centro, CA is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 18 cities and communities in California. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • El Centro
  • Bombay Beach
  • Brawley
  • Calexico
  • Calipatria
  • Desert Shores
  • El Centro Naval Air Facility
  • Heber

Browse all communities in California

28260 billing questions

How does 28260 differ from 28264?

Both concern release of a midfoot joint. Choose the code that matches the documented extent and specific operative work; 28264 represents a distinct midfoot release level.

When is 28260 preferable to a foot tendon-release code?

Use 28260 when the operative target is the midfoot joint capsule. A tendon-release code describes tendon-directed work rather than release of the joint capsule.

Can tendon lengthening be part of 28260?

Yes. Tendon lengthening may accompany the midfoot capsular release as part of correcting the contracture; document the tendon and work performed.

How should bilateral midfoot releases be reported?

Report the bilateral procedure with modifier 50. CMS pays the bilateral procedure at 150%.

What postoperative care is included?

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

What documentation supports assistant or co-surgeon payment?

Assistant-at-surgery services may be paid. Co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation; team surgery is not permitted.

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 28260PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 3,161 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for El Centro, CAGPCI2026.csv, line 10 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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