How To Use CPT Code 26372

CPT 26372 describes the repair or advancement of the profundus tendon in the finger, with the superficialis tendon remaining intact. 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 26372?

CPT 26372 is used to describe the repair or advancement of the profundus tendon in the finger, with the superficialis tendon remaining intact. This procedure is performed when there is a flexor profundus tendon avulsion injury, and the provider needs to restore the lost function caused by the injury. The repair is done using a free graft obtained from the palmaris longus or plantaris tendon to ensure sufficient length for reattachment.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26372 is: ‘Repair or advancement of profundus tendon, with intact superficialis tendon; secondary with free graft (includes obtaining graft), each tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the skin over the injured tendon.
2. They dissect through the subcutaneous tissue to expose the profundus tendon.
3. The provider repairs or reattaches the tendon to a different site to restore lost function.
4. A graft is obtained from the palmaris longus or plantaris tendon.
5. The graft is attached to the profundus tendon to ensure sufficient length for reattachment.
6. The provider ensures that the superficialis tendon remains intact.
7. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site.
8. The wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26372 is used for patients with flexor profundus tendon avulsion injury, where the profundus tendon needs to be repaired or advanced using a free graft. The superficialis tendon must remain intact. This procedure is performed when the initial injury or previous surgical repair is at least a few days old.

5. When to use CPT code 26372

CPT code 26372 should be used when the provider performs the repair or advancement of the profundus tendon with a free graft, while keeping the superficialis tendon intact. This code is appropriate for each tendon repaired in the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26372, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for repair or advancement of the profundus tendon
• Specific details of the procedure performed, including the use of a free graft
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26372, ensure that the procedure involves the repair or advancement of the profundus tendon with a free graft, while keeping the superficialis tendon intact. This code should be reported for each tendon repaired in the procedure. It is important to note that CPT 26372 should not be reported if primary repair of the profundus tendon with intact superficialis tendon (CPT 26370) or secondary repair without a graft (CPT 26373) is performed instead.

8. Historical information

CPT 26372 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A hand surgeon performs the repair of the profundus tendon in the finger using a free graft obtained from the palmaris longus tendon.
2. A plastic surgeon advances the profundus tendon in the finger with a free graft from the plantaris tendon.
3. An orthopedic surgeon repairs the profundus tendon in the finger using a free graft from the palmaris longus tendon, while ensuring the superficialis tendon remains intact.
4. A hand therapist assists the surgeon in the repair of the profundus tendon in the finger using a free graft obtained from the plantaris tendon.
5. A hand surgeon performs the advancement of the profundus tendon in the finger with a free graft from the palmaris longus tendon, while keeping the superficialis tendon intact.
6. An orthopedic surgeon repairs the profundus tendon in the finger using a free graft from the plantaris tendon, ensuring the superficialis tendon remains intact.
7. A plastic surgeon performs the repair of the profundus tendon in the finger using a free graft obtained from the palmaris longus tendon, while keeping the superficialis tendon intact.
8. A hand therapist assists the surgeon in the advancement of the profundus tendon in the finger with a free graft from the plantaris tendon, while ensuring the superficialis tendon remains intact.
9. A hand surgeon repairs the profundus tendon in the finger using a free graft from the palmaris longus tendon, while keeping the superficialis tendon intact.
10. An orthopedic surgeon performs the repair of the profundus tendon in the finger using a free graft obtained from the plantaris tendon, ensuring the superficialis tendon remains intact.