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CPT code 29131: Splint application, dynamic finger2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Chicago, IL

Report this service when a clinician applies a dynamic finger splint to support controlled movement during care of a finger injury or condition.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality604 Medicare services in 2024

In Chicago, IL, Medicare pays $63.23 for 29131 in the office and $34.70 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$63.23Office (non-facility)
$34.70Hospital or facility
+6.4%vs the national office rate ($59.45)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 29131 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 29131 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Chicago, IL
  2. What 29131 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 29131 covers

This service covers fitting and applying a dynamic splint to a finger. Unlike a rigid splint that holds the digit still, a dynamic design permits controlled movement while providing support or directional force. It may be used in office, emergency, or hand-care settings for a finger injury or condition requiring supported motion. A physician or other qualified clinician selects and positions the splint for the treated finger.

Report 29131 for a dynamic finger splint, not a static finger splint or a splint applied to the short arm. Documentation should identify the clinical problem, treated finger, dynamic splint type, and application. The code has a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. When multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. For bilateral application, 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 Chicago, IL compares for 29131

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 29131 runs from $52.69 in Arkansas to $77.32 in San Benito County, CA. Chicago, IL pays $63.23. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

29131 in Chicago, IL vs other payment areas
  1. Chicago, IL · this page$63.23
  2. East St. Louis, IL · Illinois$59.06−$4.17
  3. Rest of Illinois · Illinois$57.59−$5.64
  4. Suburban Chicago, IL · Illinois$62.69−$0.54
  5. Los Angeles, CA · California$66.39+$3.16
  6. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$67.63+$4.40
  7. Miami, FL · Florida$65.13+$1.90

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

Every other payment area

29131 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
Manhattan, NYNew York$68.45$35.46
AlaskaAlaska$69.79$39.55
AlabamaAlabama$53.45$28.61
ArkansasArkansas$52.69$28.31
ArizonaArizona$57.87$30.36
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$62.47$31.35
Chico, CACalifornia$62.24$31.12
El Centro, CACalifornia$62.25$31.14

29131 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.

$52.69

$69.79

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

View every state and territory as a table
29131 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$69.791
AL$53.451
AR$52.691
AZ$57.871
CA$62.24–$77.3229
CO$61.561
CT$63.361
DC$67.631
DE$58.811
FL$59.09–$65.133
GA$55.78–$60.662
GU$63.641
HI$63.641
IA$54.551
ID$54.951
IL$57.59–$63.234
IN$55.251
KS$54.411
KY$54.931
LA$54.89–$57.532
MA$61.25–$67.422
MD$59.88–$67.633
ME$55.34–$58.122
MI$56.43–$59.932
MN$58.701
MO$54.04–$57.603
MS$53.371
MT$59.451
NC$55.891
ND$57.871
NE$54.811
NH$60.711
NJ$64.00–$66.972
NM$56.771
NV$59.051
NY$56.72–$70.225
OH$56.101
OK$54.711
OR$58.51–$63.362
PA$56.13–$61.882
PR$59.841
RI$60.791
SC$56.111
SD$57.681
TN$54.691
TX$55.78–$61.438
UT$56.861
VA$58.01–$67.632
VI$59.841
VT$57.751
WA$61.10–$68.662
WI$55.981
WV$55.531
WY$58.761

See 29131 in every payment locality

How the 29131 rate is calculated

Each of 29131’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 · 29131

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.54

0.54 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense1.16

1.16 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.08

0.08 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

1.7800

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$59.45

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

The exact Chicago, IL inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

3,280

Code
29131
Physician work
0.54
Practice expense
1.16
Malpractice
0.08

GPCI2026.csv

48

Locality
Chicago, IL
Physician work
1.007
Practice expense
1.005
Malpractice
2.295
Office calculation for 29131 in Chicago, IL
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.54× 1.0070.5438
Practice expense1.16× 1.0051.1658
Malpractice0.08× 2.2950.1836
Total RVUs1.8932
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Chicago, IL$63.23

Office: (0.54 × 1.007 + 1.16 × 1.005 + 0.08 × 2.295) × $33.4009 = $63.23

Facility: (0.54 × 1.007 + 0.31 × 1.005 + 0.08 × 2.295) × $33.4009 = $34.70

Open 29131 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 29131

The CMS indicators that decide how 29131 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 29131

Splint application, dynamic finger

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period000Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is 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.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 50 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

29131 without 50 · national office

$59.45

Splint application, dynamic finger

29131-50 · Bilateral: 150%

$89.18

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 29131

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

Codes related to 29131
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Chicago, IL
Used instead
29130Finger splint, static applicationStatic finger splint application when the digit is held in position rather than supported for controlled movement.$49.80
Same family
29126Short-arm splint, dynamicDynamic splint application for the short arm rather than a finger.$89.86
29125Short arm splint, staticStatic short-arm splint application; differs in both splint type and treated area.$83.47
29105Splint application, long arm, shoulder to handLong-arm splint application in the splint-application code group.$105.06

How 29131 has changed in Chicago, IL

29131 · Office / nonfacility

$63.23

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $5.02 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $58.21 to $63.23 (8.6%).

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

    $58.21changed to$63.23

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.55 changed to 0.54
    • Practice expense RVU 1.06 changed to 1.16
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.005
    • Malpractice GPCI 2.018 changed to 2.295

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $58.88changed to$58.21

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 1.01 changed to 1.06
    • Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $57.91changed to$58.88

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $59.00changed to$57.91

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 0.96 changed to 1.01
    • Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09
    • Work GPCI 1.009 changed to 1.007
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.033 changed to 1.023
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.945 changed to 2.018

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $57.95changed to$59.00

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 0.91 changed to 0.96
    • Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
    • Work GPCI 1.011 changed to 1.009
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.044 changed to 1.033
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.871 changed to 1.945

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $57.33changed to$57.95

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 0.88 changed to 0.91

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $57.69changed to$57.33

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 0.84 changed to 0.88
    • Work GPCI 1.009 changed to 1.011
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.039 changed to 1.044
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.898 changed to 1.871

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $56.14changed to$57.69

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.09
    • Work GPCI 1.008 changed to 1.009
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.034 changed to 1.039
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.925 changed to 1.898

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $57.89changed to$56.14

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 0.87 changed to 0.84
    • Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.07

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $55.79changed to$57.89

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 0.83 changed to 0.87
    • Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.08
    • Work GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.008
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.036 changed to 1.034
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.972 changed to 1.925

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $55.88changed to$55.79

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Work GPCI 1.016 changed to 1.012
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.037 changed to 1.036
    • Malpractice GPCI 2.019 changed to 1.972

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $56.46changed to$55.88

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 0.84 changed to 0.83

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $56.18changed to$56.46

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $57.07changed to$56.18

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 0.83 changed to 0.84
    • Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.07
    • Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.016
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.044 changed to 1.037
    • Malpractice GPCI 2.048 changed to 2.019

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $58.54changed to$57.07

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 0.94 changed to 0.83
    • Work GPCI 1.030 changed to 1.023
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.051 changed to 1.044
    • Malpractice GPCI 2.077 changed to 2.048

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. October 1, 2013

    RVU13D

    No ratechanged to$58.54

  17. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: No rate

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$63.23$34.70RVU26D
2026-07-01$63.23$34.70RVU26C
2026-04-01$63.23$34.70RVU26B
2026-01-01$63.23$34.70RVU26A
2025-10-01$58.21$37.04RVU25D
2025-07-01$58.21$37.04RVU25C
2025-04-01$58.21$37.04RVU25B
2025-01-01$58.21$37.04RVU25A
2024-10-01$58.88$38.10RVU24D
2024-07-01$58.88$38.10RVU24C
2024-04-01$58.88$38.10RVU24B
2024-03-09$58.88$38.10RVU24AR
2024-01-01$57.91$37.48RVU24A
2023-10-01$59.00$39.05RVU23D
2023-07-01$59.00$39.05RVU23C
2023-04-01$59.00$39.05RVU23B
2023-01-01$59.00$39.05RVU23A
2022-10-01$57.95$38.44RVU22D
2022-07-01$57.95$38.44RVU22C
2022-04-01$57.95$38.44RVU22B
2022-01-01$57.95$38.44RVU22A
2021-10-01$57.33$38.39RVU21D
2021-07-01$57.33$38.39RVU21C
2021-04-01$57.33$38.39RVU21B
2021-01-01$57.33$38.39RVU21A
2020-10-01$57.69$38.94RVU20D
2020-07-01$57.69$38.94RVU20C
2020-04-01$57.69$38.94RVU20B
2020-01-01$57.69$38.94RVU20A
2019-10-01$56.14$37.51RVU19D
2019-07-01$56.14$37.51RVU19C
2019-04-01$56.14$37.51RVU19B
2019-01-01$56.14$37.51RVU19A
2018-10-01$57.89$38.53RVU18D
2018-07-01$57.89$38.53RVU18C
2018-04-01$57.89$38.53RVU18B
2018-01-01$57.89$38.53RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$55.79$37.20RVU17D
2017-07-01$55.79$37.20RVU17C
2017-04-01$55.79$37.20RVU17B
2017-01-01$55.79$37.20RVU17A
2016-10-01$55.88$36.95RVU16D
2016-07-01$55.88$36.95RVU16C
2016-04-01$55.88$36.95RVU16B
2016-01-01$55.88$36.95RVU16A
2015-10-01$56.46$37.45RVU15D
2015-07-01$56.46$37.45RVU15C
2015-04-01$56.18$37.27RVU15B
2015-01-01$56.18$37.27RVU15A
2014-10-01$57.07$37.99RVU14D
2014-07-01$57.07$37.99RVU14C
2014-04-01$57.07$37.99RVU14B
2014-01-01$57.07$37.99RVU14A
2013-10-01$58.54$38.16RVU13D
2013-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13C
2013-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13B
2013-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13AR

Price 29131 for an earlier date of service

Where the Chicago, IL rate applies

Chicago, IL is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 137 cities and communities in Illinois. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

Browse all communities in Illinois

29131 billing questions

How is 29131 different from 29130?

29131 is for a dynamic finger splint that permits controlled movement; 29130 is for a static finger splint that holds the finger in position.

When would 29126 be a better choice?

Use 29126 for a dynamic short-arm splint. Code 29131 is specific to application of a dynamic finger splint.

What documentation supports 29131?

Record the indication, which finger was treated, the dynamic splint applied, and how it was positioned to support the intended movement.

How does Medicare handle bilateral application?

The CMS bilateral rule specifies modifier 50, with payment at 150% for a bilateral procedure.

Is same-day care included in the payment?

Yes. The 0-day global period includes same-day preoperative and 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 29131PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 3,280 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Chicago, ILGPCI2026.csv, line 48 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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