How To Use CPT Code 26590

CPT 26590 describes the repair of macrodactylia, a condition characterized by the enlargement of one or more digits. 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 26590?

CPT 26590 can be used to describe the surgical repair of macrodactylia, a condition where one or more digits are abnormally enlarged. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs a procedure to correct the deformity and bring the affected finger(s) closer to a normal contour.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26590 is: ‘Repair macrodactylia, each digit.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing the procedure, the healthcare provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the area of deformity, and the provider carefully dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to expose the affected area.
3. The provider then rearranges the muscle and removes a portion of bone to correct the enlargement and bring the finger to a contour closer to the norm.
4. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site, and the wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue in layers.
5. For each digit repaired, one unit of CPT code 26590 should be used.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26590 is used for patients with macrodactylia, a condition characterized by the enlargement of one or more digits. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to correct the deformity and bring the affected finger(s) closer to a normal contour.

5. When to use CPT code 26590

CPT code 26590 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a surgical repair for macrodactylia, specifically for each digit that requires correction. This code is not appropriate for other hand or finger procedures unrelated to macrodactylia.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26590, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of macrodactylia
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific digits repaired
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26590, ensure that the procedure performed is specifically for the repair of macrodactylia. This code should be reported for each digit repaired. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and not report CPT 26590 for hand or finger procedures unrelated to macrodactylia.

8. Historical information

CPT 26590 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 healthcare provider performs a surgical repair on a patient with macrodactylia affecting their index finger.
2. A patient with macrodactylia undergoes a surgical procedure to correct the enlargement of their middle and ring fingers.
3. A healthcare provider performs a surgical repair on a patient with macrodactylia affecting multiple digits on their hand.
4. A surgical procedure is performed to correct the enlargement of a patient’s thumb due to macrodactylia.
5. A healthcare provider performs a surgical repair on a patient with macrodactylia affecting their little finger.
6. A patient with macrodactylia undergoes a surgical procedure to correct the enlargement of their thumb and index finger.
7. A healthcare provider performs a surgical repair on a patient with macrodactylia affecting their ring finger.
8. A surgical procedure is performed to correct the enlargement of a patient’s thumb and middle finger due to macrodactylia.
9. A healthcare provider performs a surgical repair on a patient with macrodactylia affecting their little finger and ring finger.
10. A patient with macrodactylia undergoes a surgical procedure to correct the enlargement of their thumb, index finger, and middle finger.