How To Use CPT Code 26262

CPT 26262 describes the radical resection of a tumor located in the distal phalanx of the 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 26262?

CPT 26262 is used to describe the surgical procedure of removing a fast-growing benign or malignant tumor from the distal phalanx of the finger, along with the surrounding healthy tissues. This code is specifically used for radical resections performed on recurrent tumors, aggressive tumors, and metastatic tumors.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26262 is: ‘Radical resection of tumor, distal phalanx of finger (eg, tumor).’ This code is used when the provider surgically removes the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissues to ensure complete removal of all diseased tissue.

3. Procedure

1. After the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider makes an incision in the skin over the affected distal phalanx bone of the finger.
2. The provider then carefully dissects the tissue to fully expose the tumor.
3. Once the tumor is identified, the provider removes it along with a margin of the surrounding healthy tissues and tissue structures.
4. This radical resection aims to remove all diseased tissue and prevent further spread of the tumor.
5. The provider ensures that all bleeding is stopped and then closes the tissue in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26262 is used for patients with fast-growing benign or malignant tumors in the distal phalanx of the finger. The procedure is performed when the tumor is recurrent, aggressive, or metastatic. The provider must perform a radical resection, which involves removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissues to ensure complete removal of all diseased tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 26262

CPT code 26262 should be used when a provider performs a radical resection of a tumor located in the distal phalanx of the finger. This code is appropriate for cases where the tumor is fast-growing, recurrent, aggressive, or metastatic. It is important to accurately document the procedure and use the code when the specific criteria are met.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 26262, 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 incision, dissection, tumor removal, and closure
• Margin of healthy tissues removed along with the tumor
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 26262, ensure that the procedure performed is a radical resection of a tumor in the distal phalanx of the finger. It is important to accurately document the procedure and use the appropriate code. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT code 26262 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 provider performs a radical resection of a malignant tumor in the distal phalanx of a patient’s finger.
2. A surgeon removes a recurrent tumor from the distal phalanx of a patient’s finger using a radical resection technique.
3. A patient undergoes a radical resection of an aggressive tumor in the distal phalanx of their finger to prevent further spread.
4. A provider performs a radical resection of a metastatic tumor in the distal phalanx of a patient’s finger, removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissues.
5. A surgeon performs a radical resection of a fast-growing benign tumor in the distal phalanx of a patient’s finger to ensure complete removal.
6. A patient undergoes a radical resection of a recurrent tumor in the distal phalanx of their finger, removing the tumor and surrounding healthy tissues.
7. A provider performs a radical resection of an aggressive tumor in the distal phalanx of a patient’s finger, aiming to remove all diseased tissue.
8. A surgeon removes a metastatic tumor from the distal phalanx of a patient’s finger using a radical resection technique.
9. A patient undergoes a radical resection of a fast-growing benign tumor in the distal phalanx of their finger to prevent further complications.
10. A provider performs a radical resection of a recurrent tumor in the distal phalanx of a patient’s finger, ensuring complete removal of all diseased tissue.