How To Use CPT Code 26593

CPT 26593 describes the release of intrinsic muscles of the hand from adhesions formed along the surface of a tendon after injury or repair. 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 26593?

CPT 26593 can be used to describe the release of intrinsic muscles of the hand from adhesions that have formed along the surface of a tendon after injury or repair. This code is used when the provider performs a surgical procedure to break the adhesions and scars over the muscle, allowing the muscle tendon to glide freely over the joint.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26593 is: ‘Release, intrinsic muscles of hand, each muscle.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the skin of the hand over the muscle to be released.
2. He dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to gain adequate exposure of the muscle.
3. Next, he breaks the adhesions and scars formed over the muscle and debrides them.
4. This allows the muscle tendon to glide freely over the joint.
5. Finally, he obtains hemostasis at the surgical site and closes the wound by suturing the soft tissue in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 26593 services are those with adhesions formed along the surface of a tendon after injury or repair. The procedure is performed on intrinsic muscles of the hand, which include thenar or thumb muscles, hypothenar or little finger muscles, interossei muscles originating from the metacarpal bones, and the lumbrical muscles originating from the finger and hand tendons.

5. When to use CPT code 26593

CPT code 26593 should be used when the provider performs the release of intrinsic muscles of the hand from adhesions formed along the surface of a tendon after injury or repair. This code should be used for each muscle released during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26593, the provider must document the following information:

• Specific muscle released
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, dissection, breaking of adhesions, debridement, and closure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26593, ensure that the procedure involves the release of intrinsic muscles of the hand from adhesions formed along the surface of a tendon after injury or repair. Use one unit of this code for each muscle released during the procedure. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 26593 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 26593 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 provider performing the release of the thenar muscle from adhesions formed along the surface of a tendon after injury or repair.
2. A surgeon releasing the hypothenar muscle from adhesions in a patient who had hand surgery.
3. A hand specialist performing the release of interossei muscles from adhesions in a patient with limited hand mobility.
4. A provider releasing the lumbrical muscle from adhesions in a patient who had a finger injury.
5. A surgeon performing the release of multiple intrinsic muscles of the hand from adhesions in a patient with chronic hand pain.
6. A hand specialist releasing the thenar muscle from adhesions in a patient with thumb arthritis.
7. A provider performing the release of the hypothenar muscle from adhesions in a patient with little finger contracture.
8. A surgeon releasing the interossei muscles from adhesions in a patient with hand deformities.
9. A hand specialist performing the release of the lumbrical muscle from adhesions in a patient with finger stiffness.
10. A provider releasing multiple intrinsic muscles of the hand from adhesions in a patient with hand trauma.