How To Use CPT Code 26489

CPT 26489 describes the transfer or transplant of a tendon in the palmar area of the hand with the use of 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 26489?

CPT 26489 is used to describe the transfer or transplant of a tendon in the palmar area of the hand with the assistance of a free tendon graft. This code is utilized when a healthcare provider moves a tendon from one location to another within the hand, using a graft to ensure the length of the tendon is sufficient for the transfer. The goal of this procedure is to restore lost function due to tendon damage or paralysis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26489 is: ‘Transfer or transplant of tendon, palmar; with free tendon graft (includes obtaining graft), each tendon.’

3. Procedure

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

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26489 is performed on patients who require a transfer or transplant of a tendon in the palmar area of the hand. This procedure is typically done to restore function lost due to tendon damage or paralysis. The use of a free tendon graft is necessary to ensure the appropriate length of the tendon for transfer. It is important to note that this code is specific to the palmar area of the hand and should not be used for other areas.

5. When to use CPT code 26489

CPT code 26489 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a transfer or transplant of a tendon in the palmar area of the hand with the assistance of a free tendon graft. This code should be reported for each tendon that is transferred or transplanted. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 26489, the healthcare 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 and its attachment to the target muscle tendon
• Location of the tendon transfer or transplant within the palmar area of the hand
• Any additional relevant information or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 26489, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The use of a free tendon graft should be documented and supported by the medical record. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. It is recommended to review the specific billing guidelines for this code to ensure accurate reporting.

8. Historical information

CPT code 26489 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 healthcare provider performs a tendon transfer in the palmar area of the hand with a free tendon graft to restore function lost due to tendon damage.
2. Using a graft from the palmaris longus tendon, a surgeon transfers a tendon in the hand to replace a damaged tendon, improving the patient’s ability to grip and grasp objects.
3. In a patient with paralysis of a hand tendon, a healthcare provider performs a tendon transplant using a free graft to restore movement and function.
4. A surgeon performs a tendon transfer in the palmar area of the hand with the assistance of a free tendon graft to correct a deformity caused by tendon damage.
5. Using a graft from the plantaris tendon, a healthcare provider transfers a tendon in the hand to improve the patient’s ability to flex and extend their fingers.
6. A patient with tendon damage in the palmar area of the hand undergoes a tendon transplant procedure with the use of a free graft, resulting in improved hand function.
7. A surgeon performs a tendon transfer in the hand using a free tendon graft to restore function lost due to tendon paralysis.
8. Using a graft from the palmaris longus tendon, a healthcare provider transfers a tendon in the hand to replace a damaged tendon, improving the patient’s ability to perform fine motor tasks.
9. In a patient with tendon damage in the palmar area of the hand, a surgeon performs a tendon transplant using a free graft to restore hand function.
10. A healthcare provider performs a tendon transfer in the palmar area of the hand with the assistance of a free tendon graft to correct a deformity caused by tendon paralysis.