26426 Repair finger/hand tendon
Also known as: Mid-palmar repair, Palmar approach repair, Mid-palmar tendon repair
Surgical repair of a finger or hand tendon using a palmar or mid-palmar approach, typically referring to repair of flexor or extensor systems through specialized exposure.
In Plain Language
Repairing a tendon through the palm of the hand; Finger tendon repair using palm approach
Clinical Context
Performed for tendon injuries requiring access through the palm, particularly useful for lacerations involving multiple zones or complex anatomic patterns.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.16 |
| Total RVU | 6.16 |
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 6.16, this code ranks in the 41st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 26426?
CPT 26426 (Repair finger/hand tendon) is a Surgery code. Surgical repair of a finger or hand tendon using a palmar or mid-palmar approach, typically referring to repair of flexor or extensor systems through specialized exposure.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26426?
The work RVU for CPT 26426 is 6.16. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Microsurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26426 used?
Performed for tendon injuries requiring access through the palm, particularly useful for lacerations involving multiple zones or complex anatomic patterns.
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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.