How To Use CPT Code 26555

CPT 26555 describes the surgical procedure of transferring a duplicate finger or thumb to a more suitable anatomical position. 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 26555?

CPT 26555 can be used to describe the surgical procedure in which a provider repositions a duplicate finger or thumb to a more appropriate location on the hand. This procedure is typically performed on patients with polydactyly, a condition characterized by the presence of extra fingers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26555 is: ‘Transfer, finger to another position without microvascular anastomosis.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider makes an incision over the duplicate digit and carefully dissects it along with the metacarpal bone, nerve, tendon, and muscles.
2. Next, the provider locates the digit that will be preserved and adjusts its position to a more suitable anatomical and functional location.
3. The provider may transfer tendons and muscles as necessary to align and correct the position of the digit.
4. The bone at the new location is fixed using implants such as K wires.
5. The provider ensures that the digit has an unobstructed blood and nerve supply.
6. Finally, the wound is closed by suturing the tissue and covered with a bulky dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26555 is typically performed on patients with polydactyly, a condition characterized by the presence of one or more extra fingers. The procedure is intended to reposition the duplicate finger or thumb to a more suitable anatomical position. It is important to note that this procedure does not involve microvascular anastomosis, which is the surgical connection of very small blood vessels.

5. When to use CPT code 26555

CPT code 26555 should be used when a provider performs the surgical transfer of a duplicate finger or thumb to another position without microvascular anastomosis. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that it meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26555, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of polydactyly
• Description of the procedure performed, including the specific steps taken
• Details of the anatomical and functional adjustments made to the digit
• Use of any implants or fixation devices
• Confirmation of an unobstructed blood and nerve supply to the digit
• Closure of the wound and application of a bulky dressing

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26555, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide any necessary supporting documentation. Additionally, be aware of any specific billing guidelines or modifiers that may be required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 26555 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 provider performs a surgical transfer of a duplicate finger to a more suitable position on the hand for a patient with polydactyly.
2. A patient with an extra thumb undergoes a surgical procedure to reposition the duplicate digit to a more anatomically appropriate location.
3. A provider performs a surgical transfer of a duplicate finger to a different position on the hand, correcting the patient’s polydactyly.
4. A patient with multiple extra fingers undergoes a surgical procedure to reposition the duplicate digits to more functional locations on the hand.
5. A provider performs a surgical transfer of a duplicate thumb to a more suitable position on the hand, improving the patient’s hand function and appearance.
6. A patient with polydactyly undergoes a surgical procedure to reposition the duplicate finger, allowing for better hand function and aesthetics.
7. A provider performs a surgical transfer of a duplicate finger to a more appropriate position on the hand, correcting the patient’s polydactyly and improving hand function.
8. A patient with an extra thumb undergoes a surgical procedure to reposition the duplicate digit, resulting in a more natural hand appearance and improved functionality.
9. A provider performs a surgical transfer of a duplicate finger to a different position on the hand, correcting the patient’s polydactyly and improving hand function.
10. A patient with multiple extra fingers undergoes a surgical procedure to reposition the duplicate digits to more functional locations on the hand, enhancing hand function and aesthetics.