HCPCS code G0281: Wound stimulation, specified chronic ulcers2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Connecticut

Reports unattended electrical stimulation in a therapy plan for specified chronic ulcers that have not shown healing after conventional care.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality271 Medicare services in 2024

In Connecticut, Medicare pays $12.29 for G0281 in the office.

$12.29Office (non-facility)
Not available in this settingHospital or facility
+5.1%vs the national office rate ($11.69)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · G0281 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 G0281 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Connecticut
  2. What G0281 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 G0281 covers

G0281 describes unattended electrical stimulation to one or more areas for chronic stage III or stage IV pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, or venous stasis ulcers that have not demonstrated healing after 30 days of conventional care. A physical or occupational therapist typically incorporates the treatment into a therapy plan of care in an outpatient rehabilitation or other therapy setting. The electrodes deliver stimulation without continuous hands-on attendance during the treatment.

Report G0281 when the ulcer type and clinical course meet this specific wound-care description, rather than using it for other wound indications or non-wound stimulation. Documentation should identify the ulcer location and type, pressure-ulcer stage when applicable, lack of healing with conventional care, stimulation provided, and the therapy plan. The professional component modifier is not used for this therapy service. Under the therapy multiple procedure payment reduction, practice expense is reduced for the second and later therapy units furnished on the same day.

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 Connecticut compares for G0281

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for G0281 runs from $10.77 in Arkansas to $14.89 in Alaska. Connecticut pays $12.29. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

G0281 in Connecticut vs other payment areas
  1. Connecticut · this page$12.29
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$12.80+$0.51
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$13.00+$0.71
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$12.42+$0.13
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$12.19−$0.10
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$13.14+$0.85
  7. Alaska · Alaska$14.89+$2.60

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

Every other payment area

G0281 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$10.88—
ArkansasArkansas$10.77—
ArizonaArizona$11.48—
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$12.19—
Chico, CACalifornia$12.15—
El Centro, CACalifornia$12.15—
Fresno, CACalifornia$12.15—
Hanford, CACalifornia$12.15—

G0281 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.

$10.77

$14.89

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

View every state and territory as a table
G0281 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$14.891
AL$10.881
AR$10.771
AZ$11.481
CA$12.15–$14.5629
CO$12.031
CT$12.291
DC$13.001
DE$11.621
FL$11.62–$12.423
GA$11.18–$11.862
GU$12.281
HI$12.281
IA$11.031
ID$11.091
IL$11.41–$12.194
IN$11.131
KS$11.011
KY$11.071
LA$11.06–$11.422
MA$12.00–$12.942
MD$11.79–$13.003
ME$11.14–$11.522
MI$11.27–$11.732
MN$11.611
MO$10.94–$11.433
MS$10.861
MT$11.691
NC$11.211
ND$11.491
NE$11.071
NH$11.871
NJ$12.45–$12.952
NM$11.311
NV$11.641
NY$11.32–$13.375
OH$11.231
OK$11.041
OR$11.57–$12.292
PA$11.23–$12.082
PR$11.741
RI$11.941
SC$11.231
SD$11.471
TN$11.051
TX$11.19–$11.978
UT$11.341
VA$11.50–$13.002
VI$11.741
VT$11.471
WA$11.97–$13.142
WI$11.231
WV$11.131
WY$11.601

See G0281 in every payment locality

How the G0281 rate is calculated

Each of G0281’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 · G0281

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.18

0.18 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense0.16

0.16 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.01

0.01 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

0.3500

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$11.69

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Connecticut inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

15,170

Code
G0281
Physician work
0.18
Practice expense
0.16
Malpractice
0.01

GPCI2026.csv

38

Locality
Connecticut
Physician work
1.020
Practice expense
1.077
Malpractice
1.210
Office calculation for G0281 in Connecticut
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.18× 1.0200.1836
Practice expense0.16× 1.0770.1723
Malpractice0.01× 1.2100.0121
Total RVUs0.3680
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Connecticut$12.29

Office: (0.18 × 1.02 + 0.16 × 1.077 + 0.01 × 1.21) × $33.4009 = $12.29

Open G0281 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for G0281

The CMS indicators that decide how G0281 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · G0281

Wound stimulation, specified chronic ulcers

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global periodXXXThe global surgery concept doesn’t apply.
Multiple procedures5Therapy reduction: practice expense of the second and later units is reduced.
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/technical7Therapy service: the split doesn’t apply.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier CQ · payment effect

With and without the modifier

G0281 without CQ · national office

$11.69

Wound stimulation, specified chronic ulcers

G0281-CQ · Allowed amount unchanged

$11.69

Medicare cuts its own payment by 15% after the patient’s 20% coinsurance; the allowed amount stays the same. On $100 allowed: $20 coinsurance, then Medicare pays $68 instead of $80.

How G0281 has changed in Connecticut

G0281 · Office / nonfacility

$12.29

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $0.30 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $11.99 to $12.29 (2.5%).

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

    $11.99changed to$12.29

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work GPCI 1.022 changed to 1.020
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.091 changed to 1.077
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.207 changed to 1.210

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $12.34changed to$11.99

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $12.13changed to$12.34

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $12.99changed to$12.13

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 0.17 changed to 0.16
    • Work GPCI 1.030 changed to 1.022
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.102 changed to 1.091
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.070 changed to 1.207
  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $13.34changed to$12.99

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Work GPCI 1.037 changed to 1.030
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.114 changed to 1.102
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.934 changed to 1.070

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $14.22changed to$13.34

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 0.19 changed to 0.17

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $15.11changed to$14.22

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 0.20 changed to 0.19
    • Work GPCI 1.029 changed to 1.037
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.113 changed to 1.114
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.094 changed to 0.934

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $15.49changed to$15.11

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 0.21 changed to 0.20
    • Work GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.029
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.112 changed to 1.113
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.255 changed to 1.094

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $16.28changed to$15.49

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 0.23 changed to 0.21

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $15.07changed to$16.28

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 0.20 changed to 0.23
    • Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.021
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.117 changed to 1.112
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.244 changed to 1.255

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $15.07changed to$15.07

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Work GPCI 1.024 changed to 1.023
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.121 changed to 1.117
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.232 changed to 1.244

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $15.12changed to$15.07

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $15.05changed to$15.12

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $15.04changed to$15.05

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.116 changed to 1.121
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.234 changed to 1.232

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $14.62changed to$15.04

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 0.21 changed to 0.20
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.110 changed to 1.116
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.235 changed to 1.234

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $14.62

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$12.29Not available in this settingRVU26D
2026-07-01$12.29Not available in this settingRVU26C
2026-04-01$12.29Not available in this settingRVU26B
2026-01-01$12.29Not available in this settingRVU26A
2025-10-01$11.99Not available in this settingRVU25D
2025-07-01$11.99Not available in this settingRVU25C
2025-04-01$11.99Not available in this settingRVU25B
2025-01-01$11.99Not available in this settingRVU25A
2024-10-01$12.34Not available in this settingRVU24D
2024-07-01$12.34Not available in this settingRVU24C
2024-04-01$12.34Not available in this settingRVU24B
2024-03-09$12.34Not available in this settingRVU24AR
2024-01-01$12.13Not available in this settingRVU24A
2023-10-01$12.99Not available in this settingRVU23D
2023-07-01$12.99Not available in this settingRVU23C
2023-04-01$12.99Not available in this settingRVU23B
2023-01-01$12.99Not available in this settingRVU23A
2022-10-01$13.34Not available in this settingRVU22D
2022-07-01$13.34Not available in this settingRVU22C
2022-04-01$13.34Not available in this settingRVU22B
2022-01-01$13.34Not available in this settingRVU22A
2021-10-01$14.22Not available in this settingRVU21D
2021-07-01$14.22Not available in this settingRVU21C
2021-04-01$14.22Not available in this settingRVU21B
2021-01-01$14.22Not available in this settingRVU21A
2020-10-01$15.11Not available in this settingRVU20D
2020-07-01$15.11Not available in this settingRVU20C
2020-04-01$15.11Not available in this settingRVU20B
2020-01-01$15.11Not available in this settingRVU20A
2019-10-01$15.49Not available in this settingRVU19D
2019-07-01$15.49Not available in this settingRVU19C
2019-04-01$15.49Not available in this settingRVU19B
2019-01-01$15.49Not available in this settingRVU19A
2018-10-01$16.28Not available in this settingRVU18D
2018-07-01$16.28Not available in this settingRVU18C
2018-04-01$16.28Not available in this settingRVU18B
2018-01-01$16.28Not available in this settingRVU18AR1
2017-10-01$15.07Not available in this settingRVU17D
2017-07-01$15.07Not available in this settingRVU17C
2017-04-01$15.07Not available in this settingRVU17B
2017-01-01$15.07Not available in this settingRVU17A
2016-10-01$15.07Not available in this settingRVU16D
2016-07-01$15.07Not available in this settingRVU16C
2016-04-01$15.07Not available in this settingRVU16B
2016-01-01$15.07Not available in this settingRVU16A
2015-10-01$15.12Not available in this settingRVU15D
2015-07-01$15.12Not available in this settingRVU15C
2015-04-01$15.05Not available in this settingRVU15B
2015-01-01$15.05Not available in this settingRVU15A
2014-10-01$15.04Not available in this settingRVU14D
2014-07-01$15.04Not available in this settingRVU14C
2014-04-01$15.04Not available in this settingRVU14B
2014-01-01$15.04Not available in this settingRVU14A
2013-10-01$14.62Not available in this settingRVU13D
2013-07-01$14.62Not available in this settingRVU13C
2013-04-01$14.62Not available in this settingRVU13B
2013-01-01$14.62Not available in this settingRVU13AR

Price G0281 for an earlier date of service

Where the Connecticut rate applies

Connecticut is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 215 cities and communities in Connecticut. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Ansonia
  • Ball Pond
  • Baltic
  • Bantam
  • Bethel
  • Bethlehem Village
  • Bigelow Corners
  • Blue Hills

Browse all communities in Connecticut

G0281 billing questions

How does G0281 differ from G0282?

G0281 is for the specified chronic pressure, arterial, diabetic, and venous stasis ulcers that have not demonstrated healing after 30 days of conventional care. G0282 describes unattended electrical stimulation for wound care outside that group.

When should G0283 be considered instead?

G0283 describes unattended electrical stimulation for indications other than wound care. G0281 is the wound-care code for the specified chronic ulcer conditions.

Should a professional component modifier be appended?

No. CMS identifies G0281 as a therapy service for which the professional component modifier does not apply.

What documentation supports reporting G0281?

Document the ulcer type and site, its stage when applicable, the lack of healing after conventional care, the stimulation treatment, and its place in the therapy plan of care.

Is G0281 reported by treatment minutes?

The descriptor does not specify a time increment. Document the treatment delivered and the therapy units reported rather than deriving units from minutes alone.

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 G0281PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 15,170 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for ConnecticutGPCI2026.csv, line 38 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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