How To Use CPT Code 26450

CPT 26450 describes a surgical procedure known as tenotomy, specifically the open division of a flexor tendon in the palm. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 26450, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 26450?

CPT 26450 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called tenotomy. Specifically, it refers to the open division of a flexor tendon in the palm. This procedure is performed to correct deformities caused by congenital or acquired shortening of a muscle. The provider makes an incision in the skin of the palm, gains exposure of the tendon, and then incises and lengthens it. By doing so, the muscle can return to its normal length, allowing the joint to straighten and correcting the deformity.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26450 is: ‘Tenotomy, flexor, palm, open, each tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision in the skin of the palm over the flexor tendon to be divided.
3. The provider dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to gain exposure of the tendon.
4. The provider incises the tendon to lengthen it, allowing the muscle to return to its normal length.
5. The provider obtains hemostasis at the surgical site and closes the wound by suturing the soft tissue in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26450 is performed when there is a deformity caused by congenital or acquired shortening of a muscle that requires the division of a flexor tendon in the palm. This procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional who has the necessary training and expertise in performing tenotomies.

5. When to use CPT code 26450

CPT code 26450 should be used when a provider performs an open tenotomy of a flexor tendon in the palm. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that it meets the criteria outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26450, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tenotomy
• Specific details of the procedure, including the incision, exposure of the tendon, and division of the flexor tendon
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26450, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. Additionally, it is crucial to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. It is also important to note that CPT code 26450 should not be reported with other codes that describe similar procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT code 26450 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 an open tenotomy of a flexor tendon in the palm to correct a congenital deformity in a patient.
2. A patient with an acquired shortening of a muscle in the palm undergoes an open tenotomy of a flexor tendon to improve joint mobility.
3. A provider performs a tenotomy of a flexor tendon in the palm to correct a deformity caused by an injury.
4. A patient with a congenital muscle shortening in the palm undergoes an open tenotomy of a flexor tendon to improve hand function.
5. A provider performs a tenotomy of a flexor tendon in the palm to correct a deformity caused by a neurological condition.
6. A patient with an acquired muscle shortening in the palm undergoes an open tenotomy of a flexor tendon to alleviate pain and improve hand function.
7. A provider performs a tenotomy of a flexor tendon in the palm to correct a deformity caused by a connective tissue disorder.
8. A patient with a congenital muscle shortening in the palm undergoes an open tenotomy of a flexor tendon to improve their ability to grasp objects.
9. A provider performs a tenotomy of a flexor tendon in the palm to correct a deformity caused by a previous surgical procedure.
10. A patient with an acquired muscle shortening in the palm undergoes an open tenotomy of a flexor tendon to improve their hand’s range of motion.