How To Use CPT Code 26580

CPT 26580 describes the repair of a cleft hand, a congenital deformity characterized by the absence of one or more central digits, resulting in a V-shaped cleft in the center of the hand. 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 26580?

CPT 26580 is used to describe the surgical repair of a cleft hand, a condition where one or more central digits are missing, causing a V-shaped cleft in the hand. This code is used when a provider performs the necessary procedures to close the cleft, realign the metacarpal bones, and address any deformities in the thumb or fingers. The goal of this procedure is to restore the lost functions of the hand and improve its appearance.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26580 is: ‘Repair of cleft hand; complete (absence of one or more central digits, including thumb), with or without web space contracture.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the area of the cleft hand.
3. The soft tissues and muscles are rearranged to close the cleft and restore the hand’s lost functions.
4. The metacarpal bones are realigned to improve the hand’s structure and function.
5. Any deformities in the thumb or fingers are addressed during the procedure.
6. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site, and the wound is closed by suturing the soft tissues in layers.
7. The patient’s hand is then placed in a long arm cast, which is stabilized by pins.
8. The cast is typically worn for a period of four to six weeks to allow for proper healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26580 is performed on patients with a cleft hand, a congenital deformity characterized by the absence of one or more central digits, including the thumb. The procedure may also address web space contracture, a condition where the skin between the fingers is tight and restricts movement. The provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for surgical repair. It is important to note that this code is specifically for complete cleft hand repair and should not be used for partial cleft hand repairs or other hand deformities.

5. When to use CPT code 26580

CPT code 26580 should be used when a provider performs a complete repair of a cleft hand, including the absence of one or more central digits, with or without web space contracture. It is important to accurately document the extent of the deformity and the procedures performed during the surgery to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 26580, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of cleft hand
• Description of the deformity, including the absence of central digits and any web space contracture
• Details of the surgical procedure performed, including the incision, soft tissue and muscle rearrangement, metacarpal realignment, and any additional procedures to address thumb or finger deformities
• Date of the surgery
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the surgery
• Post-operative care instructions
• Signature of the provider performing the surgery

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 26580, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria for a complete repair of a cleft hand. It is important to accurately document the extent of the deformity and the procedures performed to support the use of this code. CPT code 26580 should not be reported with other codes for partial cleft hand repairs or other hand deformities.

8. Historical information

CPT code 26580 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 complete repair of a cleft hand, including the absence of central digits, for a patient with a congenital deformity.
2. A patient with a cleft hand undergoes surgery to address web space contracture and realign the metacarpal bones.
3. A provider performs a complete repair of a cleft hand, including the absence of central digits, and also addresses thumb deformity during the surgery.
4. A patient with a cleft hand undergoes a surgical procedure to close the cleft and improve the hand’s appearance and function.
5. A provider performs a complete repair of a cleft hand, including the absence of central digits, and uses pins to stabilize the hand during the healing process.
6. A patient with a cleft hand undergoes surgery to rearrange the soft tissues and muscles, close the cleft, and restore the hand’s lost functions.
7. A provider performs a complete repair of a cleft hand, including the absence of central digits, and places the patient’s hand in a long arm cast for proper healing.
8. A patient with a cleft hand undergoes surgery to realign the metacarpal bones and address any thumb or finger deformities.