How To Use CPT Code 26025

CPT 26025 describes the drainage of a single palmar bursa in the hand. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 26025?

CPT 26025 is used to describe the procedure of draining fluid from an infected palmar bursa in the hand. The provider makes multiple incisions in the skin to gain access to the bursa, incises it, and drains the fluid using a catheter. The wound is then closed with sutures. This code is specifically used when only one palmar bursa is drained.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26025 is: ‘Drainage of palmar bursa; single, bursa.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring proper anesthesia and sterilization.
2. Multiple incisions are made in the skin to expose the infected palmar bursa.
3. The provider carefully incises the bursa and inserts a catheter to drain the fluid.
4. After the drainage is complete, the catheter is removed, and the wound is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26025 is used when a patient has an infected palmar bursa that requires drainage. The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider who has determined that drainage is necessary for the patient’s condition. It is important to note that this code is specifically for draining a single palmar bursa.

5. When to use CPT code 26025

CPT code 26025 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the drainage procedure on a single palmar bursa. It is important to accurately document the specific bursa that was drained to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26025, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The specific palmar bursa that was drained
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incisions made and the use of a catheter for drainage
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Any complications or follow-up care required
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26025, ensure that the procedure involves the drainage of a single palmar bursa. It is important to accurately document the specific bursa that was drained to support the use of this code. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 26025 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 26025 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider drains an infected palmar bursa on the hypothenar region of the hand.
2. A patient presents with an infected palmar bursa on the thenar region of the hand, and the provider performs the drainage procedure.
3. A healthcare provider drains an infected palmar bursa on the hypothenar region of the hand, and during the same session, also drains a superficial abscess on the finger.
4. A patient has an infected palmar bursa on the thenar region of the hand, and the provider performs the drainage procedure.
5. A healthcare provider drains an infected palmar bursa on the hypothenar region of the hand, and during the same session, also drains a deep abscess on the hand.
6. A patient presents with an infected palmar bursa on the thenar region of the hand, and the provider performs the drainage procedure.
7. A healthcare provider drains an infected palmar bursa on the hypothenar region of the hand.
8. A patient has an infected palmar bursa on the thenar region of the hand, and the provider performs the drainage procedure.
9. A healthcare provider drains an infected palmar bursa on the hypothenar region of the hand, and during the same session, also drains a superficial abscess on the finger.
10. A patient presents with an infected palmar bursa on the thenar region of the hand, and the provider performs the drainage procedure.