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.

Last updated: February 8, 2026

99281E/M2026

CPT 99281 RVU Value — Emr dpt vst mayx req phy/qhp

2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule · 0.25 Work RVUs · 0.33 Total RVUs

Work RVU

Physician time and effort

0.25

Practice Expense RVU

Equipment and overhead costs

0.05

Malpractice RVU

Professional liability costs

0.03

Total RVU

Sum of all components

0.33

Evaluation & Management

Patient encounters and consultations

Common specialties: Primary Care, Hospitalist, Internal Medicine

View specialty hub

About CPT 99281

How many wRVUs is 99281 in 2026?

CPT code 99281 has 0.25 work RVUs in 2026 according to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule. The total RVU value including all components is 0.33 RVUs.

What type of procedure is 99281?

99281 is classified as E/M: Emr dpt vst mayx req phy/qhp. This procedure is commonly used by: Primary Care, Hospitalist, Internal Medicine.

What is the RVU breakdown for CPT 99281?

CPT 99281 has three RVU components in 2026: Work RVU 0.25 (physician effort), Practice Expense RVU 0.05 (overhead costs), and Malpractice RVU 0.03 (liability). The combined Total RVU is 0.33.

How do I calculate total compensation for 99281?

To calculate compensation: Work RVUs (0.25) x Your dollar-per-wRVU rate x Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI). For example, at $55/wRVU, one 99281 generates approximately $14 in physician compensation. Use the calculator below to estimate values for multiple quantities.

Clinical Usage Guidelines

Documentation Requirements

Important: Proper documentation is required to support billing for 99281. Ensure your documentation meets CMS guidelines and local carrier policies.

Common Modifiers

-25Significant, separately identifiable E/M

-57Decision for surgery

Compare E/M Codes

Code	Description	Work RVU	Total RVU	Diff
99202	Office o/p new sf 15 min	0.93	2.25	+0.68
99203	Office o/p new low 30 min	1.60	3.52	+1.35
99204	Office o/p new mod 45 min	2.60	5.31	+2.35
99205	Office o/p new hi 60 min	3.50	7.09	+3.25
99211	Off/op est may x req phy/qhp	0.18	0.73	-0.07