26494 Hand tendon/muscle transfer
Also known as: Hand tendon/muscle transfer, Functional transfer, Opposition transfer
Surgical transfer of a hand tendon or muscle to a new location to restore function, particularly used for restoration of thumb or finger opposition, pinch, or grasp.
In Plain Language
Moving a muscle or tendon to restore hand grip or finger motion; Muscle transfer to improve hand function
Clinical Context
Indicated for paralyzed muscles affecting hand function, particularly for restoring opposition, pinch, or grasp in patients with nerve injury or spinal cord injury.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.44 |
| Total RVU | 8.44 |
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 8.44, this code ranks in the 52nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 26494?
CPT 26494 (Hand tendon/muscle transfer) is a Surgery code. Surgical transfer of a hand tendon or muscle to a new location to restore function, particularly used for restoration of thumb or finger opposition, pinch, or grasp.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26494?
The work RVU for CPT 26494 is 8.44. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Microsurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26494 used?
Indicated for paralyzed muscles affecting hand function, particularly for restoring opposition, pinch, or grasp in patients with nerve injury or spinal cord injury.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.