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CPT code 29530: Knee strapping, supportive knee taping2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Chicago, IL

Reports tape-based knee support, commonly applied after a sprain or for joint instability when the service is strapping rather than splinting.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality25K Medicare services in 2024

In Chicago, IL, Medicare pays $29.32 for 29530 in the office and $15.90 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$29.32Office (non-facility)
$15.90Hospital or facility
+2.1%vs the national office rate ($28.72)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 29530 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 29530 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Chicago, IL
  2. What 29530 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 29530 covers

Code 29530 represents tape-based support applied around the knee to stabilize or support the joint, commonly after a sprain or in the setting of knee instability. A physician or other qualified clinician may apply the strapping in an office, emergency department, or other treatment setting. It describes knee strapping, not application of a rigid long-leg splint for immobilization.

Report the code when the documented service is strapping of the knee, and record the affected side, clinical reason, and application. Distinguish supportive taping from a long-leg splint based on the service furnished. 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 reduced to 50%. Bilateral strapping reported with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. CMS does not pay an assistant at surgery; 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 29530

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 29530 runs from $26.35 in Arkansas to $36.90 in San Benito County, CA. Chicago, IL pays $29.32. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

29530 in Chicago, IL vs other payment areas
  1. Chicago, IL · this page$29.32
  2. East St. Louis, IL · Illinois$27.81−$1.51
  3. Rest of Illinois · Illinois$27.55−$1.77
  4. Suburban Chicago, IL · Illinois$29.50+$0.18
  5. Los Angeles, CA · California$32.01+$2.69
  6. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$32.24+$2.92
  7. Miami, FL · Florida$29.88+$0.56

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

Every other payment area

29530 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
Manhattan, NYNew York$32.28$16.75
AlaskaAlaska$35.94$21.71
AlabamaAlabama$26.62$14.93
ArkansasArkansas$26.35$14.87
ArizonaArizona$28.19$15.24
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$30.34$15.70
Chico, CACalifornia$30.29$15.65
El Centro, CACalifornia$30.29$15.65

29530 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.

$26.35

$35.94

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

View every state and territory as a table
29530 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$35.941
AL$26.621
AR$26.351
AZ$28.191
CA$30.29–$36.9029
CO$29.811
CT$30.261
DC$32.241
DE$28.571
FL$28.20–$29.883
GA$27.09–$29.082
GU$30.731
HI$30.731
IA$27.191
ID$27.291
IL$27.55–$29.504
IN$27.411
KS$27.051
KY$26.951
LA$26.91–$27.842
MA$29.69–$32.252
MD$29.01–$32.243
ME$27.34–$28.462
MI$27.40–$28.402
MN$28.941
MO$26.55–$27.973
MS$26.461
MT$28.721
NC$27.551
ND$28.531
NE$27.311
NH$29.331
NJ$30.71–$32.062
NM$27.491
NV$28.681
NY$27.84–$32.795
OH$27.361
OK$26.971
OR$28.56–$30.582
PA$27.42–$29.662
PR$28.891
RI$29.451
SC$27.481
SD$28.501
TN$27.141
TX$27.29–$29.628
UT$27.751
VA$28.36–$32.242
VI$28.891
VT$28.401
WA$29.64–$32.862
WI$27.831
WV$26.811
WY$28.641

See 29530 in every payment locality

How the 29530 rate is calculated

Each of 29530’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 · 29530

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.38

0.38 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense0.47

0.47 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.01

0.01 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

0.8600

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$28.72

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

3,300

Code
29530
Physician work
0.38
Practice expense
0.47
Malpractice
0.01

GPCI2026.csv

48

Locality
Chicago, IL
Physician work
1.007
Practice expense
1.005
Malpractice
2.295
Office calculation for 29530 in Chicago, IL
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.38× 1.0070.3827
Practice expense0.47× 1.0050.4723
Malpractice0.01× 2.2950.0229
Total RVUs0.8780
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Chicago, IL$29.32

Office: (0.38 × 1.007 + 0.47 × 1.005 + 0.01 × 2.295) × $33.4009 = $29.32

Facility: (0.38 × 1.007 + 0.07 × 1.005 + 0.01 × 2.295) × $33.4009 = $15.90

Open 29530 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 29530

The CMS indicators that decide how 29530 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 29530

Knee strapping, supportive knee taping

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

29530 without 50 · national office

$28.72

Knee strapping, supportive knee taping

29530-50 · Bilateral: 150%

$43.08

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 29530

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

Codes related to 29530
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Chicago, IL
Used instead
29505Splint application, long legLong-leg splint application is an alternative when immobilization, rather than knee strapping, is furnished.$115.75
Same family
29520Strapping, hip regionStrapping code for the hip rather than the knee.$35.37
29540Ankle/foot strapping, supportive tape applicationStrapping code for the ankle or foot rather than the knee.$29.52

How 29530 has changed in Chicago, IL

29530 · Office / nonfacility

$29.32

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $0.24 lower than on 2025-10-01, moving from $29.56 to $29.32 (0.8%).

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

    $29.56changed to$29.32

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.39 changed to 0.38
    • Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.01
    • 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

    $30.42changed to$29.56

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $29.92changed to$30.42

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $31.46changed to$29.92

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 0.48 changed to 0.47
    • 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

    $32.28changed to$31.46

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • 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

    $32.55changed to$32.28

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $32.82changed to$32.55

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 0.46 changed to 0.48
    • 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

    $32.32changed to$32.82

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 0.45 changed to 0.46
    • 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

    $31.92changed to$32.32

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 0.44 changed to 0.45

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $30.45changed to$31.92

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 0.40 changed to 0.44
    • 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

    $31.21changed to$30.45

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Malpractice RVU 0.03 changed to 0.02
    • 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

    $30.22changed to$31.21

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 0.39 changed to 0.40
    • Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.03

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $30.07changed to$30.22

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $54.85changed to$30.07

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Work RVU 0.57 changed to 0.39
    • Practice expense RVU 0.81 changed to 0.39
    • Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.02
    • 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

    $57.84changed to$54.85

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 0.96 changed to 0.81
    • 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$57.84

  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$29.32$15.90RVU26D
2026-07-01$29.32$15.90RVU26C
2026-04-01$29.32$15.90RVU26B
2026-01-01$29.32$15.90RVU26A
2025-10-01$29.56$18.31RVU25D
2025-07-01$29.56$18.31RVU25C
2025-04-01$29.56$18.31RVU25B
2025-01-01$29.56$18.31RVU25A
2024-10-01$30.42$18.50RVU24D
2024-07-01$30.42$18.50RVU24C
2024-04-01$30.42$18.50RVU24B
2024-03-09$30.42$18.50RVU24AR
2024-01-01$29.92$18.20RVU24A
2023-10-01$31.46$19.20RVU23D
2023-07-01$31.46$19.20RVU23C
2023-04-01$31.46$19.20RVU23B
2023-01-01$31.46$19.20RVU23A
2022-10-01$32.28$19.28RVU22D
2022-07-01$32.28$19.28RVU22C
2022-04-01$32.28$19.28RVU22B
2022-01-01$32.28$19.28RVU22A
2021-10-01$32.55$19.44RVU21D
2021-07-01$32.55$19.44RVU21C
2021-04-01$32.55$19.44RVU21B
2021-01-01$32.55$19.44RVU21A
2020-10-01$32.82$20.45RVU20D
2020-07-01$32.82$20.45RVU20C
2020-04-01$32.82$20.45RVU20B
2020-01-01$32.82$20.45RVU20A
2019-10-01$32.32$20.40RVU19D
2019-07-01$32.32$20.40RVU19C
2019-04-01$32.32$20.40RVU19B
2019-01-01$32.32$20.40RVU19A
2018-10-01$31.92$20.38RVU18D
2018-07-01$31.92$20.38RVU18C
2018-04-01$31.92$20.38RVU18B
2018-01-01$31.92$20.38RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$30.45$19.67RVU17D
2017-07-01$30.45$19.67RVU17C
2017-04-01$30.45$19.67RVU17B
2017-01-01$30.45$19.67RVU17A
2016-10-01$31.21$20.44RVU16D
2016-07-01$31.21$20.44RVU16C
2016-04-01$31.21$20.44RVU16B
2016-01-01$31.21$20.44RVU16A
2015-10-01$30.22$19.79RVU15D
2015-07-01$30.22$19.79RVU15C
2015-04-01$30.07$19.69RVU15B
2015-01-01$30.07$19.69RVU15A
2014-10-01$54.85$40.64RVU14D
2014-07-01$54.85$40.64RVU14C
2014-04-01$54.85$40.64RVU14B
2014-01-01$54.85$40.64RVU14A
2013-10-01$57.84$41.74RVU13D
2013-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13C
2013-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13B
2013-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13AR

Price 29530 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

29530 billing questions

When should 29530 be chosen over 29505?

Use 29530 for supportive strapping of the knee. Use 29505 when the service is application of a long-leg splint for immobilization.

How is strapping of both knees reported?

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

What happens when 29530 is performed with other procedures in the same session?

The highest-valued procedure is paid in full, and the other procedures are reduced to 50% under the standard multiple procedure rule.

What documentation supports 29530?

Document the knee treated, the clinical reason for support, and that strapping was applied. The record should make clear that the service was strapping rather than splint application.

Can an assistant at surgery or co-surgeon be reported for 29530?

CMS does not pay an assistant at surgery for this code, and co-surgeons and team surgery are 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 29530PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 3,300 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Chicago, ILGPCI2026.csv, line 48 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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