How To Use CPT Code 26117

CPT 26117 describes the radical resection of a tumor in the soft tissues of the hand or finger, measuring less than 3 cm. 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 26117?

CPT 26117 is used to describe the extensive excision of a tumor or mass in the soft tissues of the hand or finger, suspected to be malignant, with a diameter of less than 3 cm. The procedure involves removing the tumor along with surrounding tissues to ensure complete removal of any diseased tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26117 is: ‘Radical resection of tumor (eg, sarcoma), soft tissue of hand or finger; less than 3 cm.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. An incision is made in the area of the tumor.
3. The provider raises skin flaps on either side of the incision to expose the tumor.
4. The tumor is isolated and excised en bloc, along with a margin of surrounding tissue.
5. The excised tumor and surrounding tissue are submitted for pathologic analysis.
6. The area is irrigated, checked for bleeding, and the incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26117 is used for patients with a tumor in the soft tissues of the hand or finger, measuring less than 3 cm, suspected to be malignant. The procedure is performed to remove the tumor and surrounding tissues to ensure complete removal of any diseased tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 26117

CPT code 26117 should be used when the provider performs a radical resection of a tumor in the soft tissues of the hand or finger, with a diameter of less than 3 cm. It is important to accurately document the size of the tumor to ensure appropriate coding.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26117, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tumor resection
• Size of the tumor and its location in the soft tissues of the hand or finger
• Description of the procedure performed, including the extent of tissue excised
• Pathologic analysis results, if available
• Date of the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26117, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for radical resection of a tumor in the soft tissues of the hand or finger, measuring less than 3 cm. It is important to accurately document the size of the tumor and the extent of tissue excised. CPT code 26117 should not be reported with other codes for tumor resection procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT 26117 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been two code changes since its addition, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2014.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a radical resection of a 2 cm sarcoma in the soft tissues of a patient’s finger.
2. A hand specialist excises a 1.5 cm tumor in the soft tissues of a patient’s hand, suspected to be malignant.
3. A plastic surgeon removes a 2.5 cm tumor in the soft tissues of a patient’s finger, ensuring complete removal of any diseased tissue.
4. An orthopedic surgeon performs a radical resection of a 2.8 cm sarcoma in the soft tissues of a patient’s hand.
5. A hand surgeon excises a 2.2 cm tumor in the soft tissues of a patient’s finger, submitting the specimen for pathologic analysis.
6. A surgical oncologist removes a 2.7 cm tumor in the soft tissues of a patient’s hand, ensuring complete removal of any diseased tissue.
7. A hand specialist performs a radical resection of a 2.9 cm sarcoma in the soft tissues of a patient’s finger.
8. A plastic surgeon excises a 1.8 cm tumor in the soft tissues of a patient’s hand, suspected to be malignant.
9. An orthopedic surgeon removes a 2.3 cm tumor in the soft tissues of a patient’s finger, ensuring complete removal of any diseased tissue.
10. A hand surgeon performs a radical resection of a 2.5 cm sarcoma in the soft tissues of a patient’s hand.