How To Use CPT Code 26483

CPT 26483 describes the transfer or transplant of a tendon in the carpometacarpal area or dorsum of the hand, using a free tendon 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 26483?

CPT 26483 can be used to describe the transfer or transplant of a tendon in the carpometacarpal area or dorsum of the hand, with the use of a free tendon graft. This code is used when the provider performs this procedure to restore function lost from paralysis or damage of the tendon being replaced.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26483 is: ‘Transfer or transplant of tendon, carpometacarpal area or dorsum of hand; with free tendon graft (includes obtaining graft), each tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the skin over the back of the hand and dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to expose the tendon.
2. The provider isolates the tendon and separates it from its insertion.
3. A graft is obtained from the palmaris longus or plantaris tendon.
4. The graft is attached to the target muscle tendon to ensure sufficient length for transfer.
5. The provider moves the tendon to the desired area and sutures it in place over another tendon or replaces the other tendon with the graft.
6. Hemostasis is obtained at the surgical site and the wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 26483 services are those who have experienced paralysis or damage to a tendon in the carpometacarpal area or dorsum of the hand. The procedure is performed by a provider to restore lost function. The use of a free tendon graft is necessary for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 26483

CPT code 26483 should be used when a provider performs the transfer or transplant of a tendon in the carpometacarpal area or dorsum of the hand, using a free tendon graft. This code should be reported for each tendon that is transferred or transplanted.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26483, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tendon transfer or transplant
• Specific details of the procedure, including the use of a free tendon graft
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the graft obtained
• Location of the tendon transfer or transplant
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26483, ensure that the procedure involves the transfer or transplant of a tendon in the carpometacarpal area or dorsum of the hand, using a free tendon graft. Use one unit of this code for each tendon that is transferred or transplanted. Be aware of other codes that may be appropriate for different areas of the hand or without the use of a free graft.

8. Historical information

CPT 26483 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 provider performs the transfer of a tendon in the carpometacarpal area of the hand, using a free tendon graft, to restore function lost from paralysis.
2. A patient undergoes a tendon transplant in the dorsum of the hand, with the use of a free graft, to repair damage caused by an injury.
3. A provider performs the transfer of a tendon in the carpometacarpal area of the hand, using a free tendon graft, to improve hand function in a patient with a congenital condition.
4. A patient undergoes a tendon transplant in the dorsum of the hand, with the use of a free graft, to restore function lost from a previous surgery.
5. A provider performs the transfer of a tendon in the carpometacarpal area of the hand, using a free tendon graft, to address tendon damage caused by a chronic condition.
6. A patient undergoes a tendon transplant in the dorsum of the hand, with the use of a free graft, to improve hand function after a traumatic injury.
7. A provider performs the transfer of a tendon in the carpometacarpal area of the hand, using a free tendon graft, to restore function lost from a nerve injury.
8. A patient undergoes a tendon transplant in the dorsum of the hand, with the use of a free graft, to address tendonitis that has not responded to conservative treatments.
9. A provider performs the transfer of a tendon in the carpometacarpal area of the hand, using a free tendon graft, to improve hand function in a patient with a degenerative condition.
10. A patient undergoes a tendon transplant in the dorsum of the hand, with the use of a free graft, to restore function lost from a previous surgery.