How To Use CPT Code 26510

CPT 26510 describes a procedure known as cross intrinsic transfer, which involves the transfer of a tendon from one side of a finger to the other side. 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 26510?

CPT 26510 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure in which a tendon is transferred from one side of a finger to the other side. This procedure is typically performed to correct the deviation of the fingers and hand towards the small-finger side, a condition known as ulnar drift. Ulnar drift is commonly caused by rheumatoid conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26510 is: ‘Cross intrinsic transfer, each tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider makes a curved incision on the back of the hand over the joint between the proximal phalanx and metacarpal bone.
2. The provider then dissects down to the level of the tendons and exposes the tendon on the thumb side (radial side).
3. The tendon is detached from the proximal phalanx and sutured towards the little finger side (ulnar side) of the target finger.
4. If necessary, the provider may repeat the procedure on all affected tendons of the fingers.
5. After confirming complete correction, the provider closes the skin with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26510 is typically performed on patients with ulnar drift, a hand deformity caused by swelling of the joints between the proximal phalanges and metacarpal bones. The procedure is most commonly performed on patients with rheumatoid conditions. Each distinct tendon transferred should be reported using one unit of this code.

5. When to use CPT code 26510

CPT code 26510 should be used when a provider performs a cross intrinsic transfer procedure to correct ulnar drift. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that each distinct tendon transferred is reported using one unit of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26510, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of ulnar drift
• Details of the procedure, including the specific tendons transferred
• Date of the procedure
• Confirmation of complete correction
• Closure of the incision with sutures

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26510, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a cross intrinsic transfer. Each distinct tendon transferred should be reported using one unit of this code. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and accurately document the procedure to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 26510 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 patient with rheumatoid arthritis undergoes a cross intrinsic transfer procedure on the ulnar side of their index finger to correct ulnar drift.
2. A provider performs a cross intrinsic transfer procedure on the ulnar side of a patient’s middle finger to correct ulnar drift caused by a rheumatoid condition.
3. A patient with ulnar drift in their ring finger undergoes a cross intrinsic transfer procedure to realign the finger using a tendon transfer.
4. A provider performs a cross intrinsic transfer procedure on the ulnar side of a patient’s little finger to correct ulnar drift caused by a rheumatoid condition.
5. A patient with ulnar drift in multiple fingers undergoes a cross intrinsic transfer procedure on each affected finger to correct the deformity.
6. A provider performs a cross intrinsic transfer procedure on the ulnar side of a patient’s thumb to correct ulnar drift caused by a rheumatoid condition.
7. A patient with ulnar drift in their index finger undergoes a cross intrinsic transfer procedure to realign the finger using a tendon transfer.
8. A provider performs a cross intrinsic transfer procedure on the ulnar side of a patient’s ring finger to correct ulnar drift caused by a rheumatoid condition.
9. A patient with ulnar drift in their little finger undergoes a cross intrinsic transfer procedure to correct the deformity using a tendon transfer.
10. A provider performs a cross intrinsic transfer procedure on the ulnar side of a patient’s middle finger to correct ulnar drift caused by a rheumatoid condition.