How To Use CPT Code 26352

CPT 26352 describes the repair or advancement of a flexor tendon in the hand or finger, excluding zone 2, using a free graft. 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 26352?

CPT 26352 can be used to describe the repair or advancement of a flexor tendon in the hand or finger, excluding zone 2, using a free graft. This code is used when the provider performs a secondary repair that involves attaching a graft to the flexor tendon to complete the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26352 is: ‘Repair or advancement, flexor tendon, not in zone 2 digital flexor tendon sheath (eg, no man’s land); secondary with free graft (includes obtaining graft), each tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. A skin incision is made to access the flexor tendon in the hand or finger, excluding zone 2.
3. The provider dissects through the tissue until reaching the flexor tendon.
4. A graft is harvested from another part of the body, such as the foot or wrist.
5. The provider repairs the flexor tendon using sutures or other means to attach the graft.
6. If necessary, the provider may also advance the tendon, detaching it from its insertion and reattaching it at a more advanced position using the graft.
7. The provider checks for bleeding and closes the incision sites.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26352 is used for patients who require repair or advancement of a flexor tendon in the hand or finger, excluding zone 2. The procedure involves the use of a free graft to complete the repair. The patient must have a condition that necessitates this secondary repair, and the provider must document the need for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 26352

CPT code 26352 should be used when the provider performs a repair or advancement of a flexor tendon in the hand or finger, excluding zone 2, using a free graft. This code is appropriate for each tendon repaired or advanced during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26352, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the repair or advancement of the flexor tendon
• Details of the procedure, including the specific tendon involved and the use of a free graft
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26352, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. The provider should document the need for the repair or advancement of the flexor tendon and the use of a free graft. It is important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 26352 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 hand surgeon repairing a flexor tendon in the finger, excluding zone 2, using a free graft.
2. An orthopedic surgeon advancing a flexor tendon in the hand, excluding zone 2, with the use of a free graft.
3. A plastic surgeon performing a secondary repair of a flexor tendon in the finger, excluding zone 2, using a free graft.
4. A hand therapist assisting a provider in the repair of a flexor tendon in the hand, excluding zone 2, with the use of a free graft.
5. An occupational therapist providing post-operative care for a patient who underwent repair of a flexor tendon in the finger, excluding zone 2, using a free graft.
6. A hand surgeon performing a secondary repair of a flexor tendon in the hand, excluding zone 2, with the use of a free graft.
7. An orthopedic surgeon repairing a flexor tendon in the finger, excluding zone 2, using a free graft.
8. A plastic surgeon advancing a flexor tendon in the hand, excluding zone 2, with the use of a free graft.
9. A hand therapist assisting a provider in the repair of a flexor tendon in the hand, excluding zone 2, with the use of a free graft.
10. An occupational therapist providing post-operative care for a patient who underwent repair of a flexor tendon in the finger, excluding zone 2, using a free graft.