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The procedure described by CPT® Code 26479 involves the shortening of a flexor tendon in the hand or finger. This surgical intervention is typically indicated for patients who present with a flexion deformity, which is a condition where the fingers or hand are bent in a way that limits their ability to extend fully. Such deformities can arise from various causes, including the late effects of injuries or chronic conditions such as severe rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. The goal of this procedure is to correct the deformity by effectively shortening the affected tendon, thereby restoring a more functional position of the hand or finger. The process entails a surgical approach where the tendon is divided, and the ends are overlapped and sutured together to achieve the desired length. This procedure is crucial for improving the range of motion and overall functionality of the hand or finger, allowing patients to regain better use of their extremities. It is important to note that this code is applicable for each tendon that is shortened during the surgical procedure, ensuring accurate coding and billing for the services rendered.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 26479 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for shortening a flexor tendon, as described by CPT® Code 26479, involves several key steps:
After the procedure, patients are typically advised to keep the hand or finger immobilized in a splint for a specified period to allow for proper healing of the tendon. The duration of immobilization may vary based on the individual case and the surgeon's recommendations. Patients may also be instructed on post-operative care, including monitoring for signs of infection, managing pain, and gradually beginning rehabilitation exercises as directed by their healthcare provider. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess the healing process and to determine when it is appropriate to begin physical therapy to restore function and mobility to the hand or finger.
| Short Descr | SHORTENING OF HAND TENDON | Medium Descr | SHORTENING TENDON FLEXOR HAND/FINGER EACH | Long Descr | Shortening of tendon, flexor, hand or finger, 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 | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 4 | 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). | 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. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | F1 | Left hand, second digit | F3 | Left hand, fourth digit | F4 | Left hand, fifth digit | F5 | Right hand, thumb | F6 | Right hand, second digit | F7 | Right hand, third digit | F8 | Right hand, fourth digit | FA | Left hand, thumb | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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