CPT 29826
Global ZZZ ActiveSho arthrs srg decompression
CPT 29826 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 29826 (Sho arthrs srg decompression) is classified under Surgery (Musculoskeletal) with a global period indicator of ZZZ. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 2.93, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 0.91, and a malpractice RVU of 0.58, a total non-facility RVU of 4.42 and facility RVU of 4.42. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $148.17, though rates vary from $132.95 to $189.84 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 29826, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 29826 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
Add-on code (global concept does not apply)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 29826 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
RVU Breakdown, CPT 29826
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 2.93 | 2.93 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 0.91 | 0.91 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0.58 | 0.58 |
| Total RVU | 4.42 | 4.42 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 29826
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $147.84 | $147.84 | $143.22 - $162.84 | 29 |
| Florida | $166.07 | $166.07 | $156.04 - $178.5 | 3 |
| Georgia | $150.19 | $150.19 | $148.07 - $152.31 | 2 |
| Illinois | $164.6 | $164.6 | $155.89 - $173.56 | 4 |
| Michigan | $153.68 | $153.68 | $147.49 - $159.86 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $138.6 | $138.6 | $138.6 - $138.6 | 1 |
| New York | $162.75 | $162.75 | $140.36 - $176.24 | 5 |
| Ohio | $145.14 | $145.14 | $145.14 - $145.14 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $149.23 | $149.23 | $144.07 - $154.38 | 2 |
| Texas | $146.32 | $146.32 | $143.52 - $155.49 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 29826
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 29826 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01995 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Anesthesia service included in surgical procedure |
| 0213T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0216T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0228T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0230T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0566T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0596T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0597T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0708T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0709T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 29826
What does CPT code 29826 mean? +
CPT code 29826 represents: Sho arthrs srg decompression. It's in the Surgery (Musculoskeletal) category with a global period of ZZZ.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 29826? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 29826 is $148.17. Rates range from $132.95 to $189.84 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 29826? +
Surgery codes commonly use modifier 22 (increased procedural services), 50 (bilateral), 51 (multiple procedures), 52 (reduced services), 58/78/79 (staged, unplanned return, unrelated within global), 62 (co-surgeons), 80/82 (assistant surgeon), and 59 or the X{EPSU} subset for distinct procedural service.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 29826? +
This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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