How To Use CPT Code 26591

CPT 26591 describes the repair of the intrinsic muscles 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 26591?

CPT 26591 is used to describe the repair of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. These muscles include the thenar or thumb muscles, hypothenar or little finger muscles, interossei muscles originating from metacarpal bones, and the lumbrical muscles originating from the finger and hand tendons. The provider makes an incision in the skin of the hand over the muscle to be repaired, dissects through the subcutaneous tissue, and sutures the torn fibers of the muscle to restore its integrity.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26591 is: ‘Repair, intrinsic muscles of hand, each muscle.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. An incision is made in the skin of the hand over the muscle to be repaired.
3. The provider dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to gain exposure of the muscle.
4. The muscle is checked for integrity and repaired by suturing the torn fibers.
5. Hemostasis is obtained at the surgical site.
6. The wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26591 is used when the intrinsic muscles of the hand require repair. This may be necessary due to injury, trauma, or other conditions affecting the muscles. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary expertise in hand surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 26591

CPT code 26591 should be used when the repair of an intrinsic muscle of the hand is performed. It is important to accurately document the specific muscle that is being repaired. This code should not be used for repairs of extrinsic muscles or other structures in the hand.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26591, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The specific intrinsic muscle of the hand that is being repaired
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, dissection, repair, and closure
• Any additional procedures or services performed during the same session
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26591, ensure that the procedure involves the repair of an intrinsic muscle of the hand. It is important to accurately document the specific muscle that is being repaired. This code should not be reported with other codes that describe repairs of extrinsic muscles or other structures in the hand.

8. Historical information

CPT 26591 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 of the thenar muscles of the hand due to a traumatic injury.
2. A musician requires repair of the hypothenar muscles of the hand to regain full function and dexterity.
3. An individual with a congenital condition undergoes repair of the interossei muscles of the hand to improve hand grip and movement.
4. A patient with a sports-related injury undergoes repair of the lumbrical muscles of the hand to restore hand function.
5. A person with a degenerative condition requires repair of multiple intrinsic muscles of the hand to alleviate pain and improve hand function.