CPT code 56821: Vulvar colposcopy, with biopsy2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Montana
Reports magnified examination of vulvar tissue with targeted biopsy when evaluating suspicious lesions or abnormal vulvar findings.
In Montana, Medicare pays $170.99 for 56821 in the office and $101.18 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 56821 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 56821 covers
Vulvar colposcopy with biopsy uses magnification and directed inspection of the vulvar surface, often after application of acetic acid, to identify abnormal epithelium and obtain tissue. Gynecologists commonly perform it in an office or outpatient setting when lesions or abnormal vulvar findings require histologic evaluation, including concern for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. The sampled tissue is sent for pathology; the code represents the examination and biopsy in the same service.
Report 56821 when the colposcopic vulvar examination includes one or more directed biopsies; use 56820 when the examination has no biopsy. Record the indication, vulvar site and appearance, colposcopic findings, biopsy locations, and specimen submission. CMS assigns 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 others are paid at 50%. Modifier 50 is inappropriate. Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery for this service; co-surgery 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 Montana compares for 56821
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 56821 runs from $151.95 in Arkansas to $212.92 in San Benito County, CA. Montana pays $170.99. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Montana · this page$170.99
- Los Angeles, CA · California$186.23+$15.24
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$192.34+$21.35
- Miami, FL · Florida$194.17+$23.18
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$188.37+$17.38
- Manhattan, NY · New York$197.55+$26.56
- Alaska · Alaska$204.66+$33.67
Other areas in Montana first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $154.06 | $92.98 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $151.95 | $91.99 |
| ArizonaArizona | $166.35 | $98.70 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $176.10 | $99.60 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $175.11 | $98.60 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $198.08 | $106.07 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $184.75 | $102.24 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $179.14 | $102.63 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $182.45 | $101.26 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $181.75 | $100.84 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $185.14 | $101.65 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $208.01 | $109.59 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $207.58 | $109.15 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $212.92 | $112.26 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $211.16 | $110.50 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $178.98 | $99.47 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $186.20 | $101.39 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $182.19 | $100.79 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $187.99 | $102.27 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $197.46 | $105.45 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $175.04 | $98.54 |
| ColoradoColorado | $174.89 | $100.62 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $182.06 | $106.88 |
| DelawareDelaware | $168.97 | $100.00 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $182.46 | $111.74 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $173.37 | $106.63 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $175.23 | $104.30 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $163.57 | $101.30 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $178.21 | $98.84 |
| IowaIowa | $155.58 | $91.71 |
| IdahoIdaho | $157.00 | $92.78 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $176.56 | $112.34 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $170.20 | $106.46 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $183.75 | $112.06 |
| IndianaIndiana | $157.81 | $93.10 |
| KansasKansas | $155.93 | $92.83 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $159.78 | $97.72 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $167.34 | $101.65 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $159.95 | $98.17 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $190.11 | $106.76 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $174.36 | $100.85 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $181.77 | $106.87 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $171.74 | $101.09 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $158.89 | $94.67 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $165.51 | $96.33 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $176.52 | $109.15 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $164.69 | $100.95 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $164.73 | $92.90 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $165.14 | $99.59 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $166.65 | $100.19 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $158.05 | $97.88 |
| MississippiMississippi | $154.98 | $94.87 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $160.30 | $95.17 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $163.47 | $93.67 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $156.07 | $91.64 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $173.18 | $100.51 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $190.73 | $109.75 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $183.34 | $107.11 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $165.97 | $101.95 |
| NevadaNevada | $168.98 | $99.11 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $203.46 | $120.46 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $185.38 | $108.94 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $197.55 | $115.04 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $162.67 | $96.35 |
| OhioOhio | $163.15 | $99.42 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $158.39 | $96.05 |
| Portland, OROregon | $178.99 | $101.43 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $166.88 | $97.35 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $178.42 | $105.75 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $162.81 | $98.73 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $171.83 | $101.25 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $173.93 | $101.82 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $162.15 | $97.65 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $162.58 | $92.78 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $156.81 | $93.35 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $175.01 | $101.15 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $161.87 | $98.35 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $167.93 | $98.75 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $169.45 | $99.92 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $168.70 | $99.86 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $168.72 | $99.40 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $175.68 | $106.36 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $165.11 | $98.87 |
| UtahUtah | $164.23 | $98.61 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $165.73 | $97.10 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $171.83 | $101.25 |
| VermontVermont | $163.83 | $94.72 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $173.70 | $100.19 |
| King County, WAWashington | $192.80 | $107.15 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $158.39 | $91.51 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $164.49 | $103.83 |
| WyomingWyoming | $167.71 | $97.90 |
56821 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.
$151.95
$204.66
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 | $204.66 | 1 |
| AL | $154.06 | 1 |
| AR | $151.95 | 1 |
| AZ | $166.35 | 1 |
| CA | $175.04–$212.92 | 29 |
| CO | $174.89 | 1 |
| CT | $182.06 | 1 |
| DC | $192.34 | 1 |
| DE | $168.97 | 1 |
| FL | $173.37–$194.17 | 3 |
| GA | $163.57–$175.23 | 2 |
| GU | $178.21 | 1 |
| HI | $178.21 | 1 |
| IA | $155.58 | 1 |
| ID | $157.00 | 1 |
| IL | $170.20–$188.37 | 4 |
| IN | $157.81 | 1 |
| KS | $155.93 | 1 |
| KY | $159.78 | 1 |
| LA | $159.95–$167.34 | 2 |
| MA | $174.36–$190.11 | 2 |
| MD | $171.74–$192.34 | 3 |
| ME | $158.89–$165.51 | 2 |
| MI | $164.69–$176.52 | 2 |
| MN | $164.73 | 1 |
| MO | $158.05–$166.65 | 3 |
| MS | $154.98 | 1 |
| MT | $170.99 | 1 |
| NC | $160.30 | 1 |
| ND | $163.47 | 1 |
| NE | $156.07 | 1 |
| NH | $173.18 | 1 |
| NJ | $183.34–$190.73 | 2 |
| NM | $165.97 | 1 |
| NV | $168.98 | 1 |
| NY | $162.67–$203.46 | 5 |
| OH | $163.15 | 1 |
| OK | $158.39 | 1 |
| OR | $166.88–$178.99 | 2 |
| PA | $162.81–$178.42 | 2 |
| PR | $171.83 | 1 |
| RI | $173.93 | 1 |
| SC | $162.15 | 1 |
| SD | $162.58 | 1 |
| TN | $156.81 | 1 |
| TX | $161.87–$175.68 | 8 |
| UT | $164.23 | 1 |
| VA | $165.73–$192.34 | 2 |
| VI | $171.83 | 1 |
| VT | $163.83 | 1 |
| WA | $173.70–$192.80 | 2 |
| WI | $158.39 | 1 |
| WV | $164.49 | 1 |
| WY | $167.71 | 1 |
How the 56821 rate is calculated
Each of 56821’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 · 56821
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work2.00
2.00 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense2.74
2.74 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.38
0.38 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
5.1200
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$171.01
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Montana inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
6,427
- Code
- 56821
- Physician work
- 2.00
- Practice expense
- 2.74
- Malpractice
- 0.38
GPCI2026.csv
71
- Locality
- Montana
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.000
- Malpractice
- 0.998
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 2.00 | × 1.000 | 2.0000 |
| Practice expense | 2.74 | × 1.000 | 2.7400 |
| Malpractice | 0.38 | × 0.998 | 0.3792 |
| Total RVUs | 5.1192 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Montana$170.99
Office: (2 × 1 + 2.74 × 1 + 0.38 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $170.99
Facility: (2 × 1 + 0.65 × 1 + 0.38 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $101.18
Payment rules and modifiers for 56821
The CMS indicators that decide how 56821 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 56821
Vulvar colposcopy, with biopsy
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 000 | Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 51 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
56821 without 51 · national office
$171.01
Vulvar colposcopy, with biopsy
56821-51 · Second procedure: 50%
$85.51
When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).
How 56821 has changed in Montana
56821 · Office / nonfacility
$170.99
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $8.21 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $162.78 to $170.99 (5.0%).
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
$162.78changed to$170.99
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 2.05 changed to 2.00
- Practice expense RVU 2.64 changed to 2.74
- Malpractice RVU 0.35 changed to 0.38
- Malpractice GPCI 0.978 changed to 0.998
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$168.84changed to$162.78
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 2.68 changed to 2.64
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$166.09changed to$168.84
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$170.87changed to$166.09
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 2.65 changed to 2.68
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$173.11changed to$170.87
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 2.62 changed to 2.65
- Malpractice RVU 0.34 changed to 0.35
- Malpractice GPCI 0.977 changed to 0.978
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$169.32changed to$173.11
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 2.49 changed to 2.62
- Malpractice RVU 0.32 changed to 0.34
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$168.44changed to$169.32
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 2.20 changed to 2.49
- Malpractice GPCI 1.304 changed to 0.977
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$163.95changed to$168.44
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 2.01 changed to 2.20
- Malpractice RVU 0.30 changed to 0.32
- Malpractice GPCI 1.631 changed to 1.304
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$157.79changed to$163.95
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 1.86 changed to 2.01
- Malpractice RVU 0.29 changed to 0.30
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$155.71changed to$157.79
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Malpractice RVU 0.30 changed to 0.29
- Malpractice GPCI 1.429 changed to 1.631
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$152.81changed to$155.71
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 1.85 changed to 1.86
- Malpractice GPCI 1.226 changed to 1.429
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$153.80changed to$152.81
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Malpractice RVU 0.31 changed to 0.30
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$153.03changed to$153.80
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$153.12changed to$153.03
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 1.84 changed to 1.85
- Malpractice RVU 0.33 changed to 0.31
- Malpractice GPCI 1.165 changed to 1.226
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$150.89changed to$153.12
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 2.01 changed to 1.84
- Malpractice RVU 0.34 changed to 0.33
- Malpractice GPCI 1.103 changed to 1.165
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $150.89
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $170.99 | $101.18 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $170.99 | $101.18 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $170.99 | $101.18 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $170.99 | $101.18 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $162.78 | $110.05 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $162.78 | $110.05 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $162.78 | $110.05 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $162.78 | $110.05 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $168.84 | $112.92 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $168.84 | $112.92 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $168.84 | $112.92 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $168.84 | $112.92 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $166.09 | $111.08 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $170.87 | $114.28 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $170.87 | $114.28 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $170.87 | $114.28 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $170.87 | $114.28 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $173.11 | $115.66 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $173.11 | $115.66 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $173.11 | $115.66 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $173.11 | $115.66 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $169.32 | $115.59 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $169.32 | $115.59 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $169.32 | $115.59 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $169.32 | $115.59 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $168.44 | $122.61 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $168.44 | $122.61 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $168.44 | $122.61 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $168.44 | $122.61 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $163.95 | $125.03 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $163.95 | $125.03 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $163.95 | $125.03 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $163.95 | $125.03 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $157.79 | $125.03 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $157.79 | $125.03 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $157.79 | $125.03 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $157.79 | $125.03 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $155.71 | $123.77 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $155.71 | $123.77 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $155.71 | $123.77 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $155.71 | $123.77 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $152.81 | $120.58 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $152.81 | $120.58 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $152.81 | $120.58 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $152.81 | $120.58 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $153.80 | $121.46 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $153.80 | $121.46 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $153.03 | $120.85 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $153.03 | $120.85 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $153.12 | $121.60 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $153.12 | $121.60 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $153.12 | $121.60 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $153.12 | $121.60 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $150.89 | $117.55 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $150.89 | $117.55 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $150.89 | $117.55 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $150.89 | $117.55 | RVU13AR |
Where the Montana rate applies
Montana is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 497 cities and communities in Montana. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Absarokee
- Acton
- Alberton
- Alder
- Alzada
- Amsterdam
- Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
- Antelope
56821 billing questions
When should 56821 be chosen over 56820?
Use 56821 when the vulvar colposcopic examination includes a directed biopsy. Use 56820 for the examination without biopsy.
Is the biopsy separately reportable?
The biopsy is included in 56821 when performed as part of the vulvar colposcopic service. Do not separately report a vulvar biopsy code for that same biopsy.
Should modifier 50 be appended?
No. CMS identifies bilateral adjustment as inappropriate for this code, so modifier 50 is not appropriate.
How does CMS handle other procedures performed in the same session?
The highest-valued procedure is paid in full, and other procedures in the session are paid at 50% under the standard multiple-procedure reduction.
What documentation supports reporting 56821?
Document the reason for examination, vulvar findings and biopsy site or sites, and that tissue was obtained and submitted for pathology.
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
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