26492 Tendon transfer with graft
Also known as: Thumb tendon transfer with graft, Thumb opposition transfer, Opposition restoration
Surgical transfer of a tendon with concurrent graft augmentation to restore thumb function or improve thumb positioning in patients with paralysis or muscle loss affecting thumb opposition.
In Plain Language
Moving a tendon with graft to restore thumb opposition; Tendon transplant to improve thumb movement
Clinical Context
Performed to restore thumb opposition in patients with motor nerve injury, paralysis, or intrinsic muscle loss preventing thumb-to-finger opposition.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 9.59 |
| Total RVU | 9.59 |
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 9.59, 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 26492?
CPT 26492 (Tendon transfer with graft) is a Surgery code. Surgical transfer of a tendon with concurrent graft augmentation to restore thumb function or improve thumb positioning in patients with paralysis or muscle loss affecting thumb opposition.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26492?
The work RVU for CPT 26492 is 9.59. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Microsurgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26492 used?
Performed to restore thumb opposition in patients with motor nerve injury, paralysis, or intrinsic muscle loss preventing thumb-to-finger opposition.
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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.