RVU (Relative Value Unit)

The work value assigned to a CPT or HCPCS code under RBRVS, broken into three components: Work RVU (physician effort), Practice Expense RVU (overhead, separate non-facility and facility values), and Malpractice RVU (insurance cost). Total RVU x Conversion Factor x GPCI = Medicare allowed amount. For 2026, the Medicare Conversion Factor is approximately $33.40. Example: CPT 99213 has 2.85 total non-facility RVU, paying about $97.78 nationally before locality adjustment.