How To Use CPT Code 26260

CPT 26260 describes the radical resection of a tumor in the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger. 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 26260?

CPT 26260 is used to describe the surgical removal of a fast-growing benign or malignant tumor in the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger, along with healthy surrounding tissues. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to treat recurrent tumors, aggressive tumors, and metastatic tumors in the finger.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26260 is: ‘Radical resection of tumor, proximal or middle phalanx of finger (eg, tumor);’.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the affected area of the proximal or middle phalanx bone of the finger.
3. The provider carefully dissects the tissue to fully expose the tumor.
4. The tumor, along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissues and tissue structures, is removed.
5. The surrounding healthy tissues are removed to prevent further spread of the disease.
6. All bleeding is stopped, and the tissue is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26260 is performed on patients with fast-growing benign or malignant tumors in the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger. The procedure is indicated for recurrent tumors, aggressive tumors, and metastatic tumors. The patient must be under the care of a healthcare provider who is qualified to perform the radical resection.

5. When to use CPT code 26260

CPT code 26260 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a radical resection of a tumor in the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger. This code is appropriate for cases involving fast-growing benign or malignant tumors that require the removal of healthy surrounding tissues.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26260, the healthcare 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 tumor location and size
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Extent of the tumor resection and any additional tissues removed
• Details of the closure technique used
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26260, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for radical resection of a tumor in the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger. Use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific location of the tumor. It is important to follow the documentation requirements and provide accurate and detailed information to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 26260 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performing a radical resection of a malignant tumor in the proximal phalanx of a patient’s finger.
2. A surgeon removing a fast-growing benign tumor in the middle phalanx of a patient’s finger through radical resection.
3. A hand specialist performing a radical resection of a recurrent tumor in the proximal phalanx of a patient’s finger.
4. A healthcare provider removing an aggressive tumor in the middle phalanx of a patient’s finger using radical resection.
5. A surgeon performing a radical resection of a metastatic tumor in the proximal phalanx of a patient’s finger.
6. A hand specialist removing a fast-growing benign tumor in the middle phalanx of a patient’s finger through radical resection.
7. A healthcare provider performing a radical resection of a recurrent tumor in the proximal phalanx of a patient’s finger.
8. A surgeon removing an aggressive tumor in the middle phalanx of a patient’s finger using radical resection.
9. A hand specialist performing a radical resection of a metastatic tumor in the proximal phalanx of a patient’s finger.
10. A healthcare provider removing a fast-growing benign tumor in the middle phalanx of a patient’s finger through radical resection.