How To Use CPT Code 26548

CPT 26548 describes the repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in the finger’s interphalangeal joint. 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 26548?

CPT 26548 can be used to describe the repair and reconstruction of the volar plate, which is a thick ligament sheath on the palmar side of the joint between the metacarpal bone of the hand and proximal phalanx of the finger, or between two phalanges. The procedure involves the use of sutures to repair the torn volar plate.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26548 is: ‘Repair and reconstruction, finger, volar plate, interphalangeal joint.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision on the palmar side of the hand over the affected area.
2. They expose the volar plate and remove any damaged tissue from it.
3. Next, the provider drills holes in the adjacent bones of the joint.
4. They then affix the ends of the volar plate in the holes using sutures.
5. After ensuring satisfactory joint movement and stability, the provider closes the surgical wound with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26548 is used when there is a torn volar plate in the finger’s interphalangeal joint that requires repair and reconstruction. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider.

5. When to use CPT code 26548

CPT code 26548 should be used when a torn volar plate in the finger’s interphalangeal joint needs repair and reconstruction. It is important to note that this code should be reported separately for each joint treated.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26548, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for repair and reconstruction of the volar plate
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific joints treated
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional findings or procedures performed during the surgery
• Post-operative instructions and any follow-up care plans
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26548, ensure that the procedure involves the repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in the finger’s interphalangeal joint. It is important to report this code separately for each joint treated.

8. Historical information

CPT 26548 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 repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in their index finger’s interphalangeal joint.
2. A provider performs repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in the middle finger’s interphalangeal joint.
3. A patient requires repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in their ring finger’s interphalangeal joint.
4. A provider performs repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in the little finger’s interphalangeal joint.
5. A patient undergoes repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in their thumb’s interphalangeal joint.
6. A provider performs repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in the index finger’s proximal interphalangeal joint.
7. A patient requires repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in their middle finger’s proximal interphalangeal joint.
8. A provider performs repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in the ring finger’s proximal interphalangeal joint.
9. A patient undergoes repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in their little finger’s proximal interphalangeal joint.
10. A provider performs repair and reconstruction of the volar plate in the thumb’s proximal interphalangeal joint.