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CPT code 29520: Strapping, hip region2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Washington, DC area

Reports tape-based support applied to the hip region, such as to stabilize or limit motion of symptomatic soft tissues after a hip injury.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality18.8K Medicare services in 2024

In Washington, DC area, Medicare pays $39.32 for 29520 in the office and $16.50 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$39.32Office (non-facility)
$16.50Hospital or facility
+13.2%vs the national office rate ($34.74)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 29520 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 29520 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Washington, DC area
  2. What 29520 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 29520 covers

Code 29520 represents tape-based external support applied around the hip region to stabilize or limit motion of symptomatic soft tissues, such as with a hip sprain or related injury. A physician or other qualified clinician may perform the application in an office or other treatment setting. The service is strapping of the hip region, not application of a splint or a multilayer compression system.

Report this code when the hip is the site being strapped, rather than choosing a code for an adjacent knee, ankle, or foot. Documentation should identify the treated side, the indication, and the strapping performed. CMS assigns a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. For bilateral treatment, modifier 50 is paid at 150%. When multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others at 50%. Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documented medical necessity; 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 29520

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 29520 runs from $31.51 in Arkansas to $45.57 in San Benito County, CA. Washington, DC area pays $39.32. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

29520 in Washington, DC area vs other payment areas
  1. Washington, DC area · this page$39.32
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$39.12−$0.20
  3. Miami, FL · Florida$36.14−$3.18
  4. Chicago, IL · Illinois$35.37−$3.95
  5. Manhattan, NY · New York$39.26−$0.06
  6. Alaska · Alaska$42.34+$3.02
  7. Alabama · Alabama$31.88−$7.44

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

Every other payment area

29520 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
ArkansasArkansas$31.51$14.87
ArizonaArizona$34.02$15.24
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$36.93$15.70
Chico, CACalifornia$36.88$15.65
El Centro, CACalifornia$36.88$15.65
Fresno, CACalifornia$36.88$15.65
Hanford, CACalifornia$36.88$15.65
Madera, CACalifornia$36.88$15.65

29520 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.

$31.51

$42.34

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

View every state and territory as a table
29520 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$42.341
AL$31.881
AR$31.511
AZ$34.021
CA$36.88–$45.5729
CO$36.211
CT$36.731
DC$39.321
DE$34.511
FL$33.95–$36.143
GA$32.46–$35.192
GU$37.571
HI$37.571
IA$32.691
ID$32.821
IL$33.04–$35.674
IN$32.981
KS$32.491
KY$32.301
LA$32.23–$33.502
MA$36.02–$39.432
MD$35.10–$39.323
ME$32.87–$34.422
MI$32.89–$34.212
MN$35.131
MO$31.73–$33.703
MS$31.631
MT$34.741
NC$33.161
ND$34.541
NE$32.861
NH$35.591
NJ$37.27–$39.032
NM$33.001
NV$34.701
NY$33.55–$39.945
OH$32.851
OK$32.341
OR$34.55–$37.262
PA$32.94–$35.922
PR$34.971
RI$35.661
SC$33.041
SD$34.521
TN$32.611
TX$32.76–$35.988
UT$33.401
VA$34.27–$39.322
VI$34.971
VT$34.351
WA$35.97–$40.242
WI$33.591
WV$32.041
WY$34.651

See 29520 in every payment locality

How the 29520 rate is calculated

Each of 29520’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 · 29520

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.38

0.38 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense0.65

0.65 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.01

0.01 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

1.0400

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$34.74

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

3,299

Code
29520
Physician work
0.38
Practice expense
0.65
Malpractice
0.01

GPCI2026.csv

39

Locality
Washington, DC area
Physician work
1.054
Practice expense
1.178
Malpractice
1.113
Office calculation for 29520 in Washington, DC area
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.38× 1.0540.4005
Practice expense0.65× 1.1780.7657
Malpractice0.01× 1.1130.0111
Total RVUs1.1774
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Washington, DC area$39.32

Office: (0.38 × 1.054 + 0.65 × 1.178 + 0.01 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $39.32

Facility: (0.38 × 1.054 + 0.07 × 1.178 + 0.01 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $16.50

Open 29520 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 29520

The CMS indicators that decide how 29520 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 29520

Strapping, hip region

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)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
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

29520 without 50 · national office

$34.74

Strapping, hip region

29520-50 · Bilateral: 150%

$52.11

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 29520

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

Codes related to 29520
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Washington, DC area
Same family
29530Knee strapping, supportive knee tapingStrapping code for the knee rather than the hip region.$32.24
29540Ankle/foot strapping, supportive tape applicationStrapping code for the ankle or foot rather than the hip region.$31.41
Used instead
29505Splint application, long legLong-leg splint application is a different support method when a splint is applied.$126.00

How 29520 has changed in Washington, DC area

29520 · Office / nonfacility

$39.32

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $1.32 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $38.00 to $39.32 (3.5%).

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

    $38.00changed to$39.32

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.39 changed to 0.38
    • Practice expense RVU 0.62 changed to 0.65
    • Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.01
    • 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

    $39.50changed to$38.00

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 0.63 changed to 0.62

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $38.85changed to$39.50

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $40.71changed to$38.85

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • 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

    $42.07changed to$40.71

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • 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

    $42.85changed to$42.07

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 0.64 changed to 0.63

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $41.68changed to$42.85

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 0.59 changed to 0.64
    • 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

    $39.92changed to$41.68

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 0.56 changed to 0.59
    • 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

    $38.57changed to$39.92

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 0.53 changed to 0.56

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $36.34changed to$38.57

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 0.48 changed to 0.53
    • 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

    $36.30changed to$36.34

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • 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

    $36.00changed to$36.30

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 0.47 changed to 0.48

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $35.82changed to$36.00

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $55.19changed to$35.82

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Work RVU 0.54 changed to 0.39
    • Practice expense RVU 0.77 changed to 0.47
    • Malpractice RVU 0.04 changed to 0.02
    • 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

    $56.68changed to$55.19

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 0.88 changed to 0.77
    • 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: $56.68

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$39.32$16.50RVU26D
2026-07-01$39.32$16.50RVU26C
2026-04-01$39.32$16.50RVU26B
2026-01-01$39.32$16.50RVU26A
2025-10-01$38.00$19.49RVU25D
2025-07-01$38.00$19.49RVU25C
2025-04-01$38.00$19.49RVU25B
2025-01-01$38.00$19.49RVU25A
2024-10-01$39.50$19.66RVU24D
2024-07-01$39.50$19.66RVU24C
2024-04-01$39.50$19.66RVU24B
2024-03-09$39.50$19.66RVU24AR
2024-01-01$38.85$19.34RVU24A
2023-10-01$40.71$20.14RVU23D
2023-07-01$40.71$20.14RVU23C
2023-04-01$40.71$20.14RVU23B
2023-01-01$40.71$20.14RVU23A
2022-10-01$42.07$20.68RVU22D
2022-07-01$42.07$20.68RVU22C
2022-04-01$42.07$20.68RVU22B
2022-01-01$42.07$20.68RVU22A
2021-10-01$42.85$20.85RVU21D
2021-07-01$42.85$20.85RVU21C
2021-04-01$42.85$20.85RVU21B
2021-01-01$42.85$20.85RVU21A
2020-10-01$41.68$21.86RVU20D
2020-07-01$41.68$21.86RVU20C
2020-04-01$41.68$21.86RVU20B
2020-01-01$41.68$21.86RVU20A
2019-10-01$39.92$21.68RVU19D
2019-07-01$39.92$21.68RVU19C
2019-04-01$39.92$21.68RVU19B
2019-01-01$39.92$21.68RVU19A
2018-10-01$38.57$21.65RVU18D
2018-07-01$38.57$21.65RVU18C
2018-04-01$38.57$21.65RVU18B
2018-01-01$38.57$21.65RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$36.34$20.77RVU17D
2017-07-01$36.34$20.77RVU17C
2017-04-01$36.34$20.77RVU17B
2017-01-01$36.34$20.77RVU17A
2016-10-01$36.30$20.77RVU16D
2016-07-01$36.30$20.77RVU16C
2016-04-01$36.30$20.77RVU16B
2016-01-01$36.30$20.77RVU16A
2015-10-01$36.00$20.84RVU15D
2015-07-01$36.00$20.84RVU15C
2015-04-01$35.82$20.74RVU15B
2015-01-01$35.82$20.74RVU15A
2014-10-01$55.19$39.69RVU14D
2014-07-01$55.19$39.69RVU14C
2014-04-01$55.19$39.69RVU14B
2014-01-01$55.19$39.69RVU14A
2013-10-01$56.68$39.97RVU13D
2013-07-01$56.68$39.97RVU13C
2013-04-01$56.68$39.97RVU13B
2013-01-01$56.68$39.97RVU13AR

Price 29520 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

29520 billing questions

When should 29520 be chosen instead of a knee or ankle strapping code?

Use 29520 when the hip region is strapped. Choose a knee, ankle, or foot strapping code when that adjacent site is the area treated.

What documentation supports reporting 29520?

Document the hip-region site and side, the clinical indication, and the strapping actually applied. The record should make clear that the service was not a splint application.

How is bilateral hip strapping reported?

Use modifier 50 for bilateral treatment. CMS payment for the bilateral procedure is 150%.

Is same-day care separately payable with 29520?

The code has a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included.

Can an assistant or co-surgeon be paid for this service?

Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documentation of medical necessity. CMS does not permit co-surgeons or team surgery for this code.

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 29520PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 3,299 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Washington, DC areaGPCI2026.csv, line 39 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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