CPT Code 22548
Surgery to fuse the C1-C2 vertebrae from the front using a transoral or extraoral approach
2026 Medicare national rate
Office (non-facility)
$1943.60
Performed in a physician office
Facility
$1943.60
Hospital / ASC setting
Total RVUs (office)
58.19
58.19 facility
Conversion factor
$33.4009
2026 PFS
Medicare payment = total RVUs × GPCI (locality adjustment) × conversion factor. At the national level (GPCI = 1.0), 58.19 × 33.4009 = $1943.60 (office). Facility rates are lower because the facility separately bills its overhead.
RVU breakdown
Work RVU
26.38
Office PE RVU
20.66
Facility PE RVU
20.66
Malpractice RVU
11.15
PC/TC: Physician service — not subject to a professional/technical split.
Billing notes
- 22548 carries a 90-day global period: related follow-up care within 90 days is bundled into this payment and is not separately billable.
- The national allowable is built from 58.19 total office RVUs × the $33.4009 conversion factor; multiply by your locality GPCIs (above) to reconcile a specific remittance.
Billing & payment rules
- Multiple procedures
- Standard multiple-procedure reduction applies (100% / 50% / 50%…).
- Assistant surgeon
- Assistant surgeon may be paid.
- Co-surgeons
- Co-surgeons permitted.
- Team surgeons
- Team surgeons not permitted.
- Global period
- 90-day global period — most related follow-up care within 90 days is bundled into this code's payment.
2026 rate by locality
| Locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| National (GPCI 1.0) | $1943.60 | $1943.60 |
| Manhattan, NY | $2330.02 | $2330.02 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1980.87 | $1980.87 |
| Houston, TX | $2085.85 | $2085.85 |
| Chicago, IL | $2435.50 | $2435.50 |
| Miami, FL | $2541.32 | $2541.32 |
| Atlanta, GA | $2032.14 | $2032.14 |
Computed from CMS 2026 GPCIs: (work RVU × work GPCI + PE RVU × PE GPCI + MP RVU × MP GPCI) × $33.4009. Your MAC's locality may differ.
Related Surgery codes
Related guides
Medical billing disclaimer
Rates shown are 2026 Physician Fee Schedule amounts and are for educational reference. Commercial payers, locality, and plan rules vary. Always verify current rates and coverage with the payer before billing. D3rx is not responsible for claim outcomes.