CPT code 36557: Tunneled catheter, under age five, no port2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Tennessee
Report this code for tunneled central venous catheter placement in a child younger than five when the catheter has no subcutaneous port or pump.
In Tennessee, Medicare pays $1,145.95 for 36557 in the office and $278.83 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 36557 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 36557 covers
This service places a central venous catheter through a subcutaneous tunnel, with the catheter exiting the skin and no implanted port or pump. It is commonly used for young children needing durable access for treatments such as chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, or prolonged intravenous therapy. Surgeons and other qualified proceduralists may perform the placement in a hospital or surgical setting.
Select the code based on the patient’s age on the date of the procedure and whether the device is tunneled and lacks a port or pump. Documentation should identify the patient’s age, catheter type, tunneled route, and placement details. CMS assigns a 10-day global period, so related postoperative visits during that period are included. When multiple procedures occur in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures at 50%. Modifier 50 applies to a bilateral procedure, paid at 150%. 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 Tennessee compares for 36557
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 36557 runs from $1,092.00 in Arkansas to $1,728.49 in San Benito County, CA. Tennessee pays $1,145.95. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Tennessee · this page$1,145.95
- Los Angeles, CA · California$1,448.39+$302.44
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$1,464.36+$318.41
- Miami, FL · Florida$1,371.06+$225.11
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$1,324.00+$178.05
- Manhattan, NY · New York$1,469.21+$323.26
- Alaska · Alaska$1,391.59+$245.64
Other areas in Tennessee first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $1,111.15 | $276.46 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $1,092.00 | $272.58 |
| ArizonaArizona | $1,223.20 | $298.84 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $1,350.30 | $304.80 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $1,347.08 | $301.57 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $1,588.35 | $331.07 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $1,443.51 | $315.96 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $1,360.58 | $315.07 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $1,420.92 | $311.50 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $1,415.88 | $310.28 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $1,455.21 | $314.31 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $1,688.89 | $343.84 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $1,687.43 | $342.39 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $1,728.49 | $352.93 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $1,722.55 | $346.98 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $1,392.45 | $305.93 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $1,473.66 | $314.63 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $1,422.83 | $310.55 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $1,488.88 | $317.45 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $1,586.25 | $328.97 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $1,346.86 | $301.36 |
| ColoradoColorado | $1,322.62 | $307.64 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $1,356.02 | $328.63 |
| DelawareDelaware | $1,245.98 | $303.49 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $1,310.55 | $344.22 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $1,237.08 | $325.12 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $1,288.25 | $319.06 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $1,155.93 | $305.03 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $1,389.46 | $304.84 |
| IowaIowa | $1,146.33 | $273.48 |
| IdahoIdaho | $1,154.88 | $277.26 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $1,220.76 | $343.14 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $1,194.06 | $323.12 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $1,324.96 | $345.28 |
| IndianaIndiana | $1,162.85 | $278.56 |
| KansasKansas | $1,139.24 | $276.89 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $1,140.91 | $292.87 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $1,205.49 | $307.84 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $1,138.51 | $294.28 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $1,469.72 | $330.73 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $1,312.28 | $307.79 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $1,352.29 | $328.73 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $1,273.03 | $307.65 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $1,161.25 | $283.63 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $1,236.90 | $291.56 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $1,254.44 | $333.90 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $1,175.50 | $304.56 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $1,262.87 | $281.27 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $1,196.57 | $300.83 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $1,211.42 | $303.28 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $1,114.81 | $292.52 |
| MississippiMississippi | $1,103.70 | $282.37 |
| MontanaMontana | $1,262.13 | $308.20 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $1,175.76 | $285.74 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $1,236.82 | $282.89 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $1,154.00 | $273.52 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $1,300.34 | $307.30 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $1,444.79 | $338.23 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $1,370.27 | $328.58 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $1,182.82 | $308.07 |
| NevadaNevada | $1,256.14 | $301.26 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $1,509.42 | $375.20 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $1,379.08 | $334.53 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $1,484.26 | $356.71 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $1,196.52 | $290.28 |
| OhioOhio | $1,170.33 | $299.39 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $1,139.25 | $287.39 |
| Portland, OROregon | $1,371.50 | $311.68 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $1,245.28 | $295.17 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $1,316.81 | $323.76 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $1,172.94 | $297.23 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $1,273.24 | $308.82 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $1,295.61 | $310.21 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $1,175.24 | $293.81 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $1,233.83 | $279.90 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $1,319.15 | $309.90 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $1,163.77 | $295.70 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $1,244.55 | $299.20 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $1,253.34 | $303.23 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $1,243.30 | $302.72 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $1,248.72 | $301.47 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $1,272.15 | $324.90 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $1,204.01 | $298.73 |
| UtahUtah | $1,194.25 | $297.56 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $1,231.63 | $293.92 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $1,273.24 | $308.82 |
| VermontVermont | $1,230.50 | $286.11 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $1,310.26 | $305.77 |
| King County, WAWashington | $1,503.02 | $332.54 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $1,188.11 | $274.24 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $1,141.77 | $312.80 |
| WyomingWyoming | $1,251.10 | $297.17 |
36557 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.
$1,092.00
$1,537.68
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $1,391.59 | 1 |
| AL | $1,111.15 | 1 |
| AR | $1,092.00 | 1 |
| AZ | $1,223.20 | 1 |
| CA | $1,346.86–$1,728.49 | 29 |
| CO | $1,322.62 | 1 |
| CT | $1,356.02 | 1 |
| DC | $1,464.36 | 1 |
| DE | $1,245.98 | 1 |
| FL | $1,237.08–$1,371.06 | 3 |
| GA | $1,155.93–$1,288.25 | 2 |
| GU | $1,389.46 | 1 |
| HI | $1,389.46 | 1 |
| IA | $1,146.33 | 1 |
| ID | $1,154.88 | 1 |
| IL | $1,194.06–$1,324.96 | 4 |
| IN | $1,162.85 | 1 |
| KS | $1,139.24 | 1 |
| KY | $1,140.91 | 1 |
| LA | $1,138.51–$1,205.49 | 2 |
| MA | $1,312.28–$1,469.72 | 2 |
| MD | $1,273.03–$1,464.36 | 3 |
| ME | $1,161.25–$1,236.90 | 2 |
| MI | $1,175.50–$1,254.44 | 2 |
| MN | $1,262.87 | 1 |
| MO | $1,114.81–$1,211.42 | 3 |
| MS | $1,103.70 | 1 |
| MT | $1,262.13 | 1 |
| NC | $1,175.76 | 1 |
| ND | $1,236.82 | 1 |
| NE | $1,154.00 | 1 |
| NH | $1,300.34 | 1 |
| NJ | $1,370.27–$1,444.79 | 2 |
| NM | $1,182.82 | 1 |
| NV | $1,256.14 | 1 |
| NY | $1,196.52–$1,509.42 | 5 |
| OH | $1,170.33 | 1 |
| OK | $1,139.25 | 1 |
| OR | $1,245.28–$1,371.50 | 2 |
| PA | $1,172.94–$1,316.81 | 2 |
| PR | $1,273.24 | 1 |
| RI | $1,295.61 | 1 |
| SC | $1,175.24 | 1 |
| SD | $1,233.83 | 1 |
| TN | $1,145.95 | 1 |
| TX | $1,163.77–$1,319.15 | 8 |
| UT | $1,194.25 | 1 |
| VA | $1,231.63–$1,464.36 | 2 |
| VI | $1,273.24 | 1 |
| VT | $1,230.50 | 1 |
| WA | $1,310.26–$1,503.02 | 2 |
| WI | $1,188.11 | 1 |
| WV | $1,141.77 | 1 |
| WY | $1,251.10 | 1 |
How the 36557 rate is calculated
Each of 36557’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 · 36557
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work4.77
4.77 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense31.74
31.74 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice1.28
1.28 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
37.7900
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$1,262.22
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Tennessee inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
4,506
- Code
- 36557
- Physician work
- 4.77
- Practice expense
- 31.74
- Malpractice
- 1.28
GPCI2026.csv
95
- Locality
- Tennessee
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.909
- Malpractice
- 0.537
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 4.77 | × 1.000 | 4.7700 |
| Practice expense | 31.74 | × 0.909 | 28.8517 |
| Malpractice | 1.28 | × 0.537 | 0.6874 |
| Total RVUs | 34.3090 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Tennessee$1145.95
Office: (4.77 × 1 + 31.74 × 0.909 + 1.28 × 0.537) × $33.4009 = $1145.95
Facility: (4.77 × 1 + 3.18 × 0.909 + 1.28 × 0.537) × $33.4009 = $278.83
Payment rules and modifiers for 36557
36557 has a 10-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.
CMS payment indicators · 36557
Tunneled catheter, under age five, no port
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 010 | Minor procedure: the day of the procedure plus 10 days after are included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 1 | Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 0 | Not paid without supporting documentation. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
| Split (54/55/56) | 0.10/0.80/0.10 | Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care. |
Global surgery period · 36557
Tunneled catheter, under age five, no port
10-day global period ends
Oct 11, 2026
Covers Oct 1, 2026 through Oct 11, 2026 (11 days).
Visit on Oct 31, 2026
After the global period ends: visits and procedures are billed normally.
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 50 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
36557 without 50 · national office
$1,262.22
Tunneled catheter, under age five, no port
36557-50 · Bilateral: 150%
$1,893.33
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).
How 36557 has changed in Tennessee
36557 · Office / nonfacility
$1145.95
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $184.53 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $961.42 to $1145.95 (19.2%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
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
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$961.42changed to$1145.95
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 4.89 changed to 4.77
- Practice expense RVU 26.95 changed to 31.74
- Malpractice RVU 1.26 changed to 1.28
- Practice expense GPCI 0.896 changed to 0.909
- Malpractice GPCI 0.544 changed to 0.537
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$1020.53changed to$961.42
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 28.00 changed to 26.95
- Malpractice RVU 1.25 changed to 1.26
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$1003.87changed to$1020.53
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$1063.08changed to$1003.87
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 28.92 changed to 28.00
- Malpractice RVU 1.21 changed to 1.25
- Practice expense GPCI 0.894 changed to 0.896
- Malpractice GPCI 0.518 changed to 0.544
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$1122.57changed to$1063.08
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 30.20 changed to 28.92
- Malpractice RVU 1.24 changed to 1.21
- Practice expense GPCI 0.892 changed to 0.894
- Malpractice GPCI 0.492 changed to 0.518
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$1112.52changed to$1122.57
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 29.60 changed to 30.20
- Malpractice RVU 1.20 changed to 1.24
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$1016.71changed to$1112.52
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 25.28 changed to 29.60
- Malpractice RVU 1.19 changed to 1.20
- Practice expense GPCI 0.897 changed to 0.892
- Malpractice GPCI 0.509 changed to 0.492
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$945.95changed to$1016.71
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 23.01 changed to 25.28
- Practice expense GPCI 0.901 changed to 0.897
- Malpractice GPCI 0.526 changed to 0.509
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
July 1, 2019
RVU19C
$945.38changed to$945.95
- Malpractice RVU 1.16 changed to 1.19
Held through RVU19D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$865.26changed to$945.38
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 20.56 changed to 23.01
- Malpractice RVU 1.18 changed to 1.16
Held through RVU19B.
April 1, 2018
RVU18B
No ratechanged to$865.26
Held through RVU18C, RVU18D.
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, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D, RVU18AR1.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $1,145.95 | $278.83 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $1,145.95 | $278.83 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $1,145.95 | $278.83 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $1,145.95 | $278.83 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $961.42 | $282.65 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $961.42 | $282.65 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $961.42 | $282.65 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $961.42 | $282.65 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $1,020.53 | $288.61 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $1,020.53 | $288.61 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $1,020.53 | $288.61 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $1,020.53 | $288.61 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $1,003.87 | $283.90 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $1,063.08 | $290.56 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $1,063.08 | $290.56 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $1,063.08 | $290.56 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $1,063.08 | $290.56 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $1,122.57 | $295.29 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $1,122.57 | $295.29 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $1,122.57 | $295.29 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $1,122.57 | $295.29 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $1,112.52 | $295.18 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $1,112.52 | $295.18 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $1,112.52 | $295.18 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $1,112.52 | $295.18 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $1,016.71 | $300.96 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $1,016.71 | $300.96 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $1,016.71 | $300.96 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $1,016.71 | $300.96 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $945.95 | $300.42 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $945.95 | $300.42 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $945.38 | $299.86 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $945.38 | $299.86 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $865.26 | $299.26 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $865.26 | $299.26 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $865.26 | $299.26 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13AR |
Where the Tennessee rate applies
Tennessee is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 504 cities and communities in Tennessee. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Adams
- Adamsville
- Alamo
- Alcoa
- Alexandria
- Algood
- Allardt
- Altamont
36557 billing questions
How does this code differ from 36558?
Both describe tunneled central venous catheter placement without a port or pump. Use 36557 for a patient younger than five and 36558 for a patient age five or older.
Can this code be used for an implanted port?
No. It describes a tunneled catheter without a subcutaneous port or pump; code selection changes when the implanted device includes a port.
What documentation supports reporting 36557?
Document the patient’s age on the procedure date, the tunneled catheter placement, and that the device has no subcutaneous port or pump.
Are related postoperative visits separately paid during the global period?
Related postoperative visits during the 10-day global period are included in the procedure payment.
When is an assistant at surgery payable?
CMS allows assistant-at-surgery payment only when the record documents medical necessity. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted for this code.
How are other procedures in the same session paid?
The highest-valued procedure is paid in full, and other procedures in that session are paid at 50%. For a bilateral procedure reported with modifier 50, CMS pays at 150%.
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
Fee sheets · Coming soon
Put 36557 and the rest of your codes on one sheet
Your codes at your locality, with payer contracts beside Medicare.
Join the waitlist