26500 Hand tendon reconstruction
Also known as: Hand tendon reconstruction, Hand reconstruction, Tendon restoration
Surgical reconstruction of hand tendons, muscle-tendon units, or soft tissue structures to restore functional capacity and improve hand positioning after injury, paralysis, or tissue loss.
In Plain Language
Reconstructive surgery to restore hand function; Building up hand tendons or muscles to improve function
Clinical Context
Performed for complex hand injuries with multiple tendon deficiencies, extensive tissue loss, or chronic dysfunction requiring comprehensive reconstruction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.98 |
| Total RVU | 5.98 |
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 5.98, this code ranks in the 40th 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 26500?
CPT 26500 (Hand tendon reconstruction) is a Surgery code. Surgical reconstruction of hand tendons, muscle-tendon units, or soft tissue structures to restore functional capacity and improve hand positioning after injury, paralysis, or tissue loss.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26500?
The work RVU for CPT 26500 is 5.98. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Microsurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26500 used?
Performed for complex hand injuries with multiple tendon deficiencies, extensive tissue loss, or chronic dysfunction requiring comprehensive reconstruction.
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.