How To Use CPT Code 26545

CPT 26545 describes a procedure that involves the repair of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a finger. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 26545?

CPT 26545 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider repairs the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a finger. This ligament is responsible for holding the joint between two phalanges, or finger bones, together from the sides. During the procedure, the damaged part of the ligament is replaced with a tendon or fascial graft.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26545 is: ‘Reconstruction, collateral ligament, interphalangeal joint, single, including graft, each joint.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes a longitudinal incision on the side of the affected joint between the phalanges of the finger.
3. The provider incises down to the level of the collateral ligament.
4. A retractor is used to expose the ligament and preserve blood and nerve supply.
5. The provider harvests a tendon or fascia graft from the forearm.
6. Holes are drilled in two adjacent phalanges.
7. The graft is fixed on both bones using sutures.
8. The provider confirms the desired movement and stability of the joint.
9. The wounds are irrigated with antibiotics and closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26545 is performed on patients who require the repair of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a finger. This procedure is typically indicated for individuals with ligament damage due to injury or other conditions. The provider must use a tendon or fascial graft to replace the damaged part of the ligament.

5. When to use CPT code 26545

CPT code 26545 should be used when a provider performs the reconstruction of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a finger, including the use of a graft. This code is specific to a single joint. If the provider repairs multiple joints, the code should be reported multiple times.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26545, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for collateral ligament reconstruction
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a tendon or fascial graft
• Date of the procedure
• Confirmation of desired movement and stability of the joint
• Details of wound irrigation and closure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26545, ensure that the procedure involves the reconstruction of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a finger, including the use of a graft. Report the code for each joint repaired. It is important to note that CPT 26545 should not be reported if the provider has already performed CPT codes 26546 to 26596 in the previous seven days.

8. Historical information

CPT 26545 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 patient undergoes a reconstruction of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of their index finger, including the use of a tendon graft.
2. A provider repairs the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a patient’s thumb, using a fascial graft.
3. A reconstruction of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a middle finger is performed, with the use of a tendon graft.
4. A patient undergoes the repair of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of their ring finger, including the use of a fascial graft.
5. A provider performs the reconstruction of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a patient’s little finger, using a tendon graft.
6. A patient undergoes the repair of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of their thumb, including the use of a fascial graft.
7. A provider performs the reconstruction of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a patient’s index finger, using a tendon graft.
8. A patient undergoes the repair of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of their middle finger, including the use of a fascial graft.
9. A provider performs the reconstruction of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of a patient’s ring finger, using a tendon graft.
10. A patient undergoes the repair of the collateral ligament in the interphalangeal joint of their little finger, including the use of a fascial graft.