How To Use CPT Code 26250

CPT 26250 describes the radical resection of a tumor in the metacarpal bone. 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 26250?

CPT 26250 is used to describe the surgical procedure of radical resection of a tumor in the metacarpal bone. This code is used when a provider removes a fast-growing benign or malignant tumor along with healthy surrounding tissues. The purpose of this procedure is to remove the tumor completely and prevent further spread of the disease.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26250 is: ‘Radical resection of tumor, metacarpal.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision in the skin over the affected metacarpal bone.
3. Tissue is dissected to fully expose the tumor.
4. The tumor, along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissues and tissue structures, is removed.
5. The provider ensures that all bleeding is stopped and closes the tissue in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26250 is performed for patients with recurrent tumors, aggressive tumors, and metastatic tumors in the metacarpal bone. The procedure is performed by a provider to remove the tumor completely and prevent further spread of the disease. The patient must have a fast-growing benign or malignant tumor in the metacarpal bone that requires radical resection.

5. When to use CPT code 26250

CPT code 26250 should be used when a provider performs a radical resection of a tumor in the metacarpal bone. It is appropriate to use this code for cases where the tumor is fast-growing, aggressive, or metastatic. This code should not be used for tumors in other bones or phalanges of the hand.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26250, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for radical resection of the tumor
• Details of the procedure, including the specific metacarpal bone involved
• Date of the procedure
• Extent of the tumor resection and any additional tissues removed
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26250, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified provider and that it involves the radical resection of a tumor in the metacarpal bone. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 26250 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable bundling or unbundling rules and to provide appropriate documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 26250 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been a few changes to the code over the years, including code changes in 2002 and 2010. The current description of the code is ‘Radical resection of tumor, metacarpal.’

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a radical resection of a malignant tumor in the metacarpal bone of a patient’s hand.
2. A surgeon removes a fast-growing benign tumor in the metacarpal bone, along with a margin of healthy tissues, to prevent further spread of the disease.
3. A patient with a metastatic tumor in the metacarpal bone undergoes a radical resection to remove the tumor completely.
4. A provider performs a radical resection of an aggressive tumor in the metacarpal bone, ensuring that all diseased tissues are removed.
5. A surgeon removes a recurrent tumor in the metacarpal bone, along with surrounding healthy tissues, to prevent its reoccurrence.
6. A patient with a malignant tumor in the metacarpal bone undergoes a radical resection to remove the tumor and prevent its spread.
7. A provider performs a radical resection of a fast-growing benign tumor in the metacarpal bone, ensuring that all affected tissues are removed.
8. A surgeon removes an aggressive tumor in the metacarpal bone, along with a margin of healthy tissues, to prevent its further growth.
9. A patient with a metastatic tumor in the metacarpal bone undergoes a radical resection to remove the tumor completely and prevent its spread.
10. A provider performs a radical resection of a recurrent tumor in the metacarpal bone, ensuring that all diseased tissues are removed to prevent its reoccurrence.