26416 Graft hand or finger tendon
Also known as: Tendon graft, Tendon grafting, Autograft placement
Surgical grafting of a tendon to the hand or finger using harvested autograft, allograft, or synthetic material to restore function after excision of damaged tendon or in primary reconstruction.
In Plain Language
Placing a tendon graft in the hand to restore finger movement; Tissue graft surgery to replace damaged tendon
Clinical Context
Used when primary tendon repair is impossible and staged reconstruction with grafting is planned. May be performed as staged procedure after infection control or initial debridement.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 9.32 |
| Total RVU | 9.32 |
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 9.32, this code ranks in the 56th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 26416?
CPT 26416 (Graft hand or finger tendon) is a Surgery code. Surgical grafting of a tendon to the hand or finger using harvested autograft, allograft, or synthetic material to restore function after excision of damaged tendon or in primary reconstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26416?
The work RVU for CPT 26416 is 9.32. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Microsurgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26416 used?
Used when primary tendon repair is impossible and staged reconstruction with grafting is planned. May be performed as staged procedure after infection control or initial debridement.
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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.