How To Use CPT Code 26720

CPT 26720 describes the closed treatment of a phalangeal shaft fracture in the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger or thumb without manipulation. 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 26720?

CPT 26720 can be used to describe the closed treatment of a phalangeal shaft fracture in the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger or thumb without manipulation. This code is used when the provider stabilizes the fractured bone without performing any adjustments or realignments.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26720 is: ‘Closed treatment of phalangeal shaft fracture, proximal or middle phalanx, finger or thumb; without manipulation, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider confirms the fracture through X-rays.
2. The provider splints the fracture and tapes it to stabilize the fractured finger or thumb.
3. The provider may perform a separately reportable X-ray examination to confirm the reduction of the fracture.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26720 is used for patients with a phalangeal shaft fracture in the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger or thumb. The treatment does not involve any manipulation or adjustment of the fractured bone. The provider may use splints or tape to stabilize the fracture.

5. When to use CPT code 26720

CPT code 26720 should be used when the provider performs closed treatment of a phalangeal shaft fracture in the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger or thumb without any manipulation or adjustment of the fractured bone. If manipulation is performed, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26720, the provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of the fracture through X-rays
• Details of the closed treatment, including the use of splints or tape
• Any separately reportable X-ray examination performed

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26720, ensure that the treatment performed does not involve any manipulation or adjustment of the fractured bone. This code should be reported for each phalangeal shaft fracture of the proximal or middle phalanx of a finger or thumb that the provider treats. If manipulation or other procedures are performed, different codes should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT 26720 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 performs closed treatment of a phalangeal shaft fracture in the proximal phalanx of a finger without manipulation.
2. A patient presents with a phalangeal shaft fracture in the middle phalanx of their thumb, and the provider stabilizes the fracture without manipulation.
3. A provider treats a phalangeal shaft fracture in the proximal phalanx of a finger without manipulation using splints and tape.
4. A patient sustains a phalangeal shaft fracture in the middle phalanx of their thumb, and the provider performs closed treatment without manipulation.
5. A provider stabilizes a phalangeal shaft fracture in the proximal phalanx of a finger without manipulation using splints and tape.
6. A patient fractures the middle phalanx of their thumb, and the provider performs closed treatment without manipulation.
7. A provider treats a phalangeal shaft fracture in the proximal phalanx of a finger without manipulation using splints and tape.
8. A patient presents with a phalangeal shaft fracture in the middle phalanx of their thumb, and the provider stabilizes the fracture without manipulation.
9. A provider performs closed treatment of a phalangeal shaft fracture in the proximal phalanx of a finger without manipulation.
10. A patient sustains a phalangeal shaft fracture in the middle phalanx of their thumb, and the provider treats the fracture without manipulation.