What is an RVU (Relative Value Unit)?

A Relative Value Unit (RVU) is a measure used by CMS to determine physician reimbursement. Each CPT code has three RVU components: work RVU (wRVU), practice expense RVU, and malpractice RVU. Work RVUs reflect the time, skill, and intensity required to perform a service.

How do I calculate work RVUs (wRVUs)?

To calculate work RVUs, look up the CPT code for the service performed and find its assigned wRVU value from the CMS Physician Fee Schedule. Multiply the wRVU by the number of times you performed that service. Use an RVU calculator like wRVU Tracker to look up values instantly.

What is a good daily wRVU target for hospitalists?

A typical hospitalist daily wRVU target ranges from 18-25 wRVUs per day, depending on patient volume, acuity, and contract structure. Annual targets typically range from 4,000-6,000 wRVUs. Use an RVU tracker to monitor your daily progress against targets.

Where does CMS RVU data come from?

CMS publishes the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) annually, which includes RVU values for all CPT codes. The data includes work RVUs, practice expense RVUs, malpractice RVUs, and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs). wRVU Tracker uses official CMS data updated for the current year.

How do I look up the RVU value for a CPT code?

Use a CPT code lookup tool like wRVU Tracker to search for any CPT code and find its RVU values. Enter the 5-digit CPT code or search by procedure description to instantly see work RVUs, practice expense RVUs, malpractice RVUs, and total RVUs from the official CMS Physician Fee Schedule.

What is the best RVU tracker for physicians?

wRVU Tracker is an RVU tracking tool for physicians that includes an RVU calculator, CPT code lookup, daily RVU logger, and productivity analytics. It uses official CMS data and is designed for hospitalists, outpatient physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers. No credit card is required.

How do I track my RVUs daily?

Use an RVU logger to record your CPT codes at the end of each shift or clinic session. A daily RVU logging tool like wRVU Tracker automatically calculates work RVUs, tracks cumulative totals, and monitors your progress toward annual targets. Log from any device - desktop, tablet, or phone.

What is the difference between an RVU calculator and an RVU tracker?

An RVU calculator is a tool for looking up and calculating RVU values for individual CPT codes. An RVU tracker is a broader tool that monitors your RVU productivity over time, including daily logging, cumulative tracking, target monitoring, and analytics. wRVU Tracker includes both an RVU calculator and a full RVU tracking platform.

2026 RVU Changes: Updated CMS Fee Schedule

Overview of 2026 RVU changes based on the CMS Physician Fee Schedule. Values shown are for reference -- always verify with official CMS sources and your billing department.

Using Current 2026 RVU Values

Our platform now uses the 2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU values, updated February 8, 2026. All calculations and tracking are based on the most current official data.

Data Source:

• CMS Physician Fee Schedule 2026
• Official PPRRVU26_JAN.csv file
• Work RVU, PE RVU, and MP RVU values

Last Updated:

• February 8, 2026
• Verified against CMS sources
• Quality checked and validated

2026 RVU Changes Summary

Key Findings for 2026

• E/M Codes: Work RVU values remained stable for most office and hospital codes
• Procedure Codes: Several common procedures saw minor work RVU decreases
• Practice Expense: Notable changes in PE RVUs across multiple specialties
• Conversion Factor: Updated from $32.35 (2025) to $33.57 (2026)

Key 2026 RVU Values Compared to 2025

Evaluation & Management Codes

992141.92 wRVU

Office visit, moderate complexity

No change from 2025

992131.30 wRVU

Office visit, low complexity

No change from 2025

992152.80 wRVU

Office visit, high complexity

No change from 2025

Hospital Medicine Codes

992233.50 wRVU

Initial hospital care, high complexity

No change from 2025

992321.59 wRVU

Subsequent hospital care, moderate

No change from 2025

992381.50 wRVU

Hospital discharge management

No change from 2025

Critical Care & Common Procedures

992914.50 wRVU

Critical care, first 30-74 minutes

No change from 2025

365561.71 wRVU

Central venous catheter insertion

Decreased from 1.75 (-0.04)

453783.18 wRVU

Colonoscopy, diagnostic

Decreased from 3.26 (-0.08)

Gastroenterology Procedures

432392.33 wRVU

EGD with biopsy

Decreased from 2.39 (-0.06)

About Our 2026 RVU Data

Official CMS Data

All RVU values are sourced directly from the official CMS Physician Fee Schedule for 2026, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Medicare standards.

• Work RVU values from official CMS files
• Practice Expense and Malpractice RVUs included
• Regular verification against CMS updates
• Quality assurance and validation processes

Important Verification Notice

While our RVU values are sourced from official CMS data, always verify with your billing department before submitting claims. RVU values may vary based on:

• Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI) adjustments
• Facility vs. non-facility settings
• Local carrier policies and interpretations
• Modifier applications and bundling rules

Calculate 2026 RVU values for any CPT code. Try our RVU calculator

Start Using 2026 RVU Values

Use our calculator with 2026 CMS data for reference and productivity tracking.

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