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.
Correction of claw finger, as described by CPT® Code 26499, refers to a surgical procedure aimed at addressing the condition known as claw hand or claw finger. This condition arises from a loss of intrinsic function in the fingers, which is typically due to an imbalance between the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the hand. The intrinsic muscles are responsible for fine motor control and dexterity, while the extrinsic muscles facilitate gross movements. When the intrinsic muscles are weakened or paralyzed, it can lead to a characteristic deformity where the fingers curl into a claw-like position. This procedure, specifically coded as 26499, involves correcting the claw finger through methods other than tendon transfer to the lateral bands, distinguishing it from related procedures such as those coded 26497 and 26498, which utilize tendon transfers to enhance finger function. The goal of this correction is to restore more normal positioning and function of the fingers, thereby improving the patient's ability to perform daily activities and enhancing overall hand function.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure coded as CPT® 26499 is indicated for patients experiencing claw finger, a condition characterized by the inability to extend the fingers due to an imbalance of muscle function. This condition may arise from various underlying causes, including neurological disorders, trauma, or congenital anomalies that affect the intrinsic muscles of the hand. The primary symptoms prompting this surgical intervention include:
The procedure for correcting claw finger under CPT® Code 26499 involves several key steps that are designed to restore function and improve the positioning of the fingers. The specific procedural steps include:
After the procedure coded as CPT® 26499, patients typically undergo a recovery period that may involve immobilization of the hand to allow for healing. Post-operative care includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or impaired circulation. Patients are often advised to engage in physical therapy to regain strength and improve the range of motion in the fingers. The expected recovery time can vary based on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient's healing response. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the surgical outcome and make any necessary adjustments to the rehabilitation plan.
| Short Descr | REVISION OF FINGER | Medium Descr | CORRECTION CLAW FINGER OTHER METHODS | Long Descr | Correction claw finger, other methods | 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) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | 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 | 2 | 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. | 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 | F4 | Left hand, fifth digit | F7 | Right hand, third digit | F8 | Right hand, fourth digit | F9 | Right hand, fifth digit | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.