26160 Remove tendon sheath lesion
Also known as: tendon sheath ganglion removal, synovial cyst excision, De Quervain release
Removal (excision) of tendon sheath lesion (ganglion, cyst, or mass) of hand.
In Plain Language
removal of cyst from tendon sheath; ganglion removal from hand
Clinical Context
Used for excision of ganglion cysts, synovial cysts, or other benign lesions of tendon sheaths.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.48 |
| Total RVU | 3.48 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 3.48, this code ranks in the 24th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 26160?
CPT 26160 (Remove tendon sheath lesion) is a Surgery code. Removal (excision) of tendon sheath lesion (ganglion, cyst, or mass) of hand.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26160?
The work RVU for CPT 26160 is 3.48. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26160 used?
Used for excision of ganglion cysts, synovial cysts, or other benign lesions of tendon sheaths.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.