How To Use CPT Code 26740

CPT 26740 describes the closed treatment of an articular fracture involving the metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint 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 26740?

CPT 26740 is used to describe the closed treatment of an articular fracture that involves the metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint without manipulation. This means that the healthcare provider will treat the fracture by splinting and taping it to restrict motion and promote healing, without physically adjusting the fractured bone.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 26740 is: ‘Closed treatment of articular fracture, involving metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint; without manipulation, each.’

3. Procedure

1. After the patient is properly prepped and anesthetized, the healthcare provider will splint the fracture and tape it to restrict motion and promote healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 26740 is used for patients who have an articular fracture involving the metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint. The treatment does not involve any manipulation or adjustment of the fractured bone. The patient may need to wear a brace or splint to immobilize the fracture and promote healing.

5. When to use CPT code 26740

CPT code 26740 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a closed treatment of an articular fracture involving the metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint without manipulation. This code should not be used if the provider performs manipulation to realign the joint or if an open treatment with internal fixation is performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 26740, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of the articular fracture involving the metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint
• Details of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any X-ray examination results confirming the reduction of the fracture
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 26740, ensure that the treatment performed is a closed treatment of an articular fracture involving the metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint without manipulation. This code should not be reported if manipulation or open treatment with internal fixation is performed. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 26740 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 patient presents with an articular fracture involving the metacarpophalangeal joint of their index finger. The healthcare provider performs a closed treatment by splinting and taping the fracture without manipulation.
2. Another patient has an articular fracture involving the interphalangeal joint of their thumb. The healthcare provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and promote healing without manipulating the fractured bone.
3. A third patient sustains an articular fracture involving the metacarpophalangeal joint of their middle finger. The healthcare provider performs a closed treatment by splinting and taping the fracture without manipulation.
4. Yet another patient has an articular fracture involving the interphalangeal joint of their ring finger. The healthcare provider applies a splint to immobilize the fracture and promote healing without manipulating the fractured bone.
5. A final patient presents with an articular fracture involving the metacarpophalangeal joint of their little finger. The healthcare provider performs a closed treatment by splinting and taping the fracture without manipulation.