How To Use CPT Code 26170

CPT 26170 describes the excision of a flexor or extensor tendon in the palm of 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 26170?

CPT 26170 is used to describe the surgical removal of a flexor or extensor tendon in the palm of the hand. This procedure is typically performed to help patients regain the ability to grasp objects or to correct issues with hand movement. Each tendon that is excised should be reported with this code.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26170 is: ‘Excision of tendon, palm, flexor or extensor, single, each tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the skin over the flexor or extensor tendon in the palm of the hand.
2. They then deepen the incision through the soft tissue until they reach the target tendon.
3. The provider carefully excises, or surgically removes, the flexor or extensor tendon.
4. Finally, they close the incision with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26170 is performed when a patient requires the excision of a flexor or extensor tendon in the palm of the hand. This procedure is typically indicated when there are issues with hand movement or the ability to grasp objects. It is important to note that CPT 26170 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 26390 or 26415.

5. When to use CPT code 26170

CPT code 26170 should be used when a provider performs the excision of a flexor or extensor tendon in the palm of the hand. It is important to report this code for each individual tendon that is excised during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26170, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tendon excision
• Details of the procedure, including the specific tendon excised
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26170, ensure that the procedure involves the excision of a flexor or extensor tendon in the palm of the hand. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report this code in conjunction with codes 26390 or 26415. Additionally, it is important to consider any applicable modifiers or other coding requirements based on the specific circumstances of the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 26170 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2007, which updated the description to specify ‘flexor’ tendon.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes the excision of a flexor tendon in the palm of their hand to improve their ability to grasp objects.
2. A provider performs the excision of an extensor tendon in the palm of a patient’s hand to correct issues with hand movement.
3. A patient requires the excision of both a flexor and an extensor tendon in the palm of their hand to address multiple issues with hand function.
4. A provider performs the excision of a flexor tendon in the palm of a patient’s hand as part of a larger surgical procedure to correct hand deformities.
5. A patient undergoes the excision of an extensor tendon in the palm of their hand to alleviate pain and improve hand function.
6. A provider performs the excision of a flexor tendon in the palm of a patient’s hand to address issues with hand movement caused by a previous injury.
7. A patient requires the excision of both a flexor and an extensor tendon in the palm of their hand due to a congenital condition affecting hand function.
8. A provider performs the excision of an extensor tendon in the palm of a patient’s hand to improve their ability to extend their fingers.
9. A patient undergoes the excision of a flexor tendon in the palm of their hand to address issues with hand movement caused by a chronic condition.
10. A provider performs the excision of a flexor tendon in the palm of a patient’s hand to correct issues with hand function following a traumatic injury.