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CPT code 77261: Radiation planning, simple complexity2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Washington, DC area

Reports the radiation oncologist’s professional planning work for a simple radiation treatment approach after review of the patient’s clinical and tumor information.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality13.6K Medicare services in 2024

In Washington, DC area, Medicare pays $76.82 for 77261 in the office and $76.82 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$76.82Office (non-facility)
$76.82Hospital or facility
+10.0%vs the national office rate ($69.81)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 77261 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 77261 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Washington, DC area
  2. What 77261 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 77261 covers

A radiation oncologist uses this service to develop a simple external-beam radiation treatment approach after reviewing relevant clinical information, such as the cancer diagnosis, disease extent, imaging, and prior treatment. Planning may include defining the treatment approach and determining the intended dose and beam arrangement. It is performed in radiation oncology practices and hospital-based cancer centers as part of preparing a patient’s course of treatment.

Select the simple level based on the documented complexity of the physician’s planning work; do not infer the level from a field count alone. The record should support the clinical information reviewed and the treatment decisions made. CMS identifies 77261 as a professional-component-only service: it represents the physician’s interpretation and report, while a separate code accounts for the technical portion. Field simulation and dosimetry calculations are distinct services when performed and documented; this planning code does not itself describe those services.

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 77261

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 77261 runs from $65.14 in Arkansas to $91.60 in Alaska. Washington, DC area pays $76.82. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

77261 in Washington, DC area vs other payment areas
  1. Washington, DC area · this page$76.82
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$75.35−$1.47
  3. Miami, FL · Florida$74.41−$2.41
  4. Chicago, IL · Illinois$73.26−$3.56
  5. Manhattan, NY · New York$77.95+$1.13
  6. Alaska · Alaska$91.60+$14.78
  7. Alabama · Alabama$65.66−$11.16

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

Every other payment area

77261 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
ArkansasArkansas$65.14$65.14
ArizonaArizona$68.69$68.69
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$72.10$72.10
Chico, CACalifornia$71.85$71.85
El Centro, CACalifornia$71.86$71.86
Fresno, CACalifornia$71.85$71.85
Hanford, CACalifornia$71.85$71.85
Madera, CACalifornia$71.85$71.85

77261 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.

$65.14

$91.60

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

View every state and territory as a table
77261 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$91.601
AL$65.661
AR$65.141
AZ$68.691
CA$71.85–$84.4629
CO$71.411
CT$73.081
DC$76.821
DE$69.481
FL$69.88–$74.413
GA$67.55–$70.812
GU$72.261
HI$72.261
IA$66.271
ID$66.571
IL$68.94–$73.264
IN$66.781
KS$66.241
KY$66.831
LA$66.83–$68.652
MA$71.34–$76.152
MD$70.34–$76.823
ME$66.92–$68.722
MI$67.93–$70.542
MN$68.891
MO$66.29–$68.613
MS$65.721
MT$69.801
NC$67.291
ND$68.421
NE$66.421
NH$70.541
NJ$74.04–$76.652
NM$68.201
NV$69.441
NY$67.86–$79.265
OH$67.651
OK$66.611
OR$69.01–$72.672
PA$67.63–$72.052
PR$70.051
RI$71.191
SC$67.551
SD$68.261
TN$66.451
TX$67.39–$71.088
UT$68.071
VA$68.69–$76.822
VI$70.051
VT$68.401
WA$71.13–$77.192
WI$67.141
WV$67.531
WY$69.201

See 77261 in every payment locality

How the 77261 rate is calculated

Each of 77261’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 · 77261

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work1.27

1.27 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense0.75

0.75 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.07

0.07 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

2.0900

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$69.81

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

9,026

Code
77261
Physician work
1.27
Practice expense
0.75
Malpractice
0.07

GPCI2026.csv

39

Locality
Washington, DC area
Physician work
1.054
Practice expense
1.178
Malpractice
1.113
Office calculation for 77261 in Washington, DC area
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work1.27× 1.0541.3386
Practice expense0.75× 1.1780.8835
Malpractice0.07× 1.1130.0779
Total RVUs2.3000
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Washington, DC area$76.82

Office: (1.27 × 1.054 + 0.75 × 1.178 + 0.07 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $76.82

Facility: (1.27 × 1.054 + 0.75 × 1.178 + 0.07 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $76.82

Open 77261 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 77261

The CMS indicators that decide how 77261 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 77261

Radiation planning, simple complexity

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global periodXXXThe global surgery concept doesn’t apply.
Multiple procedures0No multiple-procedure reduction.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical2Professional component only.

Codes related to 77261

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

Codes related to 77261
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Washington, DC area
Same family
77262Radiation planning, intermediate complexityIntermediate-complexity radiation treatment planning.$117.96
77263Treatment planning, complex planningComplex radiation treatment planning.$185.11
Often billed with
77280Radiation simulation, simple field setupSimple field simulation is a distinct service that may occur during the planning encounter.$314.62
77300Dosimetry calculation, basic, per calculationBasic radiation dosimetry calculation is a distinct planning-related service when performed.$76.51

How 77261 has changed in Washington, DC area

77261 · Office / nonfacility

$76.82

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $0.80 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $76.02 to $76.82 (1.1%).

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

    $76.02changed to$76.82

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 1.30 changed to 1.27
    • Practice expense RVU 0.76 changed to 0.75
    • Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.07
    • 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

    $77.82changed to$76.02

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 0.73 changed to 0.76
    • Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.06

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $76.55changed to$77.82

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $79.48changed to$76.55

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 0.72 changed to 0.73
    • 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

    $80.96changed to$79.48

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 0.69 changed to 0.72
    • Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
    • 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

    $80.77changed to$80.96

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 0.67 changed to 0.69

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $82.01changed to$80.77

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 0.65 changed to 0.67
    • 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

    $80.84changed to$82.01

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 0.64 changed to 0.65
    • 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

    $80.75changed to$80.84

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $85.79changed to$80.75

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Work RVU 1.39 changed to 1.30
    • Practice expense RVU 0.68 changed to 0.64
    • 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

    $84.91changed to$85.79

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 0.66 changed to 0.68
    • 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

    $84.78changed to$84.91

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 0.65 changed to 0.66

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $84.36changed to$84.78

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $82.87changed to$84.36

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 0.61 changed to 0.65
    • Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09
    • 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

    $78.32changed to$82.87

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • 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: $78.32

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$76.82$76.82RVU26D
2026-07-01$76.82$76.82RVU26C
2026-04-01$76.82$76.82RVU26B
2026-01-01$76.82$76.82RVU26A
2025-10-01$76.02$76.02RVU25D
2025-07-01$76.02$76.02RVU25C
2025-04-01$76.02$76.02RVU25B
2025-01-01$76.02$76.02RVU25A
2024-10-01$77.82$77.82RVU24D
2024-07-01$77.82$77.82RVU24C
2024-04-01$77.82$77.82RVU24B
2024-03-09$77.82$77.82RVU24AR
2024-01-01$76.55$76.55RVU24A
2023-10-01$79.48$79.48RVU23D
2023-07-01$79.48$79.48RVU23C
2023-04-01$79.48$79.48RVU23B
2023-01-01$79.48$79.48RVU23A
2022-10-01$80.96$80.96RVU22D
2022-07-01$80.96$80.96RVU22C
2022-04-01$80.96$80.96RVU22B
2022-01-01$80.96$80.96RVU22A
2021-10-01$80.77$80.77RVU21D
2021-07-01$80.77$80.77RVU21C
2021-04-01$80.77$80.77RVU21B
2021-01-01$80.77$80.77RVU21A
2020-10-01$82.01$82.01RVU20D
2020-07-01$82.01$82.01RVU20C
2020-04-01$82.01$82.01RVU20B
2020-01-01$82.01$82.01RVU20A
2019-10-01$80.84$80.84RVU19D
2019-07-01$80.84$80.84RVU19C
2019-04-01$80.84$80.84RVU19B
2019-01-01$80.84$80.84RVU19A
2018-10-01$80.75$80.75RVU18D
2018-07-01$80.75$80.75RVU18C
2018-04-01$80.75$80.75RVU18B
2018-01-01$80.75$80.75RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$85.79$85.79RVU17D
2017-07-01$85.79$85.79RVU17C
2017-04-01$85.79$85.79RVU17B
2017-01-01$85.79$85.79RVU17A
2016-10-01$84.91$84.91RVU16D
2016-07-01$84.91$84.91RVU16C
2016-04-01$84.91$84.91RVU16B
2016-01-01$84.91$84.91RVU16A
2015-10-01$84.78$84.78RVU15D
2015-07-01$84.78$84.78RVU15C
2015-04-01$84.36$84.36RVU15B
2015-01-01$84.36$84.36RVU15A
2014-10-01$82.87$82.87RVU14D
2014-07-01$82.87$82.87RVU14C
2014-04-01$82.87$82.87RVU14B
2014-01-01$82.87$82.87RVU14A
2013-10-01$78.32$78.32RVU13D
2013-07-01$78.32$78.32RVU13C
2013-04-01$78.32$78.32RVU13B
2013-01-01$78.32$78.32RVU13AR

Price 77261 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

77261 billing questions

How does 77261 differ from 77262?

77261 is for simple treatment planning, while 77262 is for intermediate planning. Choose the level supported by the physician’s documented planning complexity rather than relying on a field count alone.

Is treatment simulation included in 77261?

No. Simulation, such as setting up treatment geometry, is a distinct service. Code 77280 describes simple radiation field simulation when that service is performed and documented.

Does 77261 include the technical portion of planning?

No. CMS identifies 77261 as professional-component-only for the physician’s interpretation and report; a separate code covers the technical portion.

What documentation supports the simple planning level?

Document the clinical information reviewed and the physician’s treatment-planning decisions. The record should support why the planning work meets the simple level.

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 77261PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 9,026 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Washington, DC areaGPCI2026.csv, line 39 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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