26489 Transplant/graft palm tendon
Also known as: Palmar tendon transfer with graft, Palm tendon transplant and graft, Complex intrinsic transfer
Surgical transplantation of a palm tendon with concurrent grafting to address functional deficit, tissue deficiency, or to optimize positioning for functional restoration.
In Plain Language
Moving a palm tendon with added tissue graft; Complex palmar tendon reconstruction
Clinical Context
Performed when palmar tendon transfer requires graft augmentation for length or tissue replacement, often in complex intrinsic deficit scenarios.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 9.61 |
| Total RVU | 9.61 |
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 9.61, this code ranks in the 57th 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 26489?
CPT 26489 (Transplant/graft palm tendon) is a Surgery code. Surgical transplantation of a palm tendon with concurrent grafting to address functional deficit, tissue deficiency, or to optimize positioning for functional restoration.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26489?
The work RVU for CPT 26489 is 9.61. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Microsurgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26489 used?
Performed when palmar tendon transfer requires graft augmentation for length or tissue replacement, often in complex intrinsic deficit scenarios.
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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.