Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 26372 involves the repair or advancement of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon when the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon remains intact. The FDP tendon is crucial for finger flexion, extending from the upper anterior and medial aspects of the ulna to the wrist, where it divides into four tendons that insert at the palmar base of the distal phalanx of each finger. In cases where the FDP tendon has been injured, a secondary repair is indicated, particularly when the repair is performed more than two weeks after the initial injury. This procedure utilizes a free graft, which is a segment of tendon harvested from another site, typically the palmaris longus tendon from the distal forearm. The graft is essential for reconstructing the damaged tendon, allowing for proper function and healing. The surgical approach involves exposing the site of the original tendon injury, locating the severed ends of the FDP, and attaching the graft to the affected portion of the tendon, which is then tunneled to the base of the distal phalanx for secure anchoring. This method is critical for restoring the integrity and functionality of the tendon, ensuring that the patient can regain finger movement and strength following the repair.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 26372 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 26372 involves several critical steps to ensure successful repair of the FDP tendon using a free graft:
After the procedure, the patient will typically require a period of immobilization to allow for proper healing of the tendon repair. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the affected finger. The surgeon will provide specific post-operative care instructions, including wound care and signs of potential complications, such as infection or graft failure. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the healing process and assess the functional recovery of the tendon.
| Short Descr | REPAIR/GRAFT HAND TENDON | Medium Descr | RPR/ADVMNT TDN W/NTC SUPFCIS TDN W/FREE GRAFT EA | Long Descr | Repair or advancement of profundus tendon, with intact superficialis tendon; secondary with free graft (includes obtaining graft), each tendon | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | F1 | Left hand, second digit | F2 | Left hand, third digit | F3 | Left hand, fourth digit | F6 | Right hand, second digit | F7 | Right hand, third digit | F8 | Right hand, fourth digit | F9 | Right hand, fifth digit | FA | Left hand, thumb | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.