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Syndactyly is a congenital condition characterized by the fusion of two or more fingers, resulting in a web-like appearance. This condition can vary in complexity; simple syndactyly involves only the soft tissues of the fingers, while complex syndactyly may include involvement of bone, cartilage, or nails. The procedure described by CPT® Code 26561 specifically addresses the repair of syndactyly in each web space using skin flaps and grafts. In this surgical intervention, the surgeon performs a meticulous dissection of the soft tissues to separate the conjoined fingers, ensuring that the blood supply to each digit is preserved. Unlike simpler procedures that may only require the division of soft tissues, this technique incorporates full-thickness skin grafts harvested from donor sites, typically the plantar instep, to facilitate complete closure of the zigzag incisions created during the surgery. This approach is essential for achieving optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes for the patient, particularly in cases where the syndactyly is more complex and requires additional tissue for effective closure.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 26561 is indicated for the surgical repair of syndactyly, particularly in cases where the condition involves the need for skin flaps and grafts. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 26561 involves several detailed steps to ensure the successful repair of syndactyly:
After the procedure, the patient will require careful monitoring and post-operative care to ensure proper healing. This may include instructions on wound care, signs of infection to watch for, and follow-up appointments to assess healing progress. The expected recovery time can vary based on the complexity of the procedure and the individual patient's healing response. Patients may also be advised on activity restrictions to prevent strain on the surgical site during the initial recovery phase.
| Short Descr | REPAIR OF WEB FINGER | Medium Descr | REPAIR SYNDACTYLY EACH SPACE W/SKIN FLAPS&GRAFT | Long Descr | Repair of syndactyly (web finger) each web space; with skin flaps and grafts | 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 | 175 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast |
| 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 | F4 | Left hand, fifth digit | 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) |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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