26546 Repair nonunion hand
Also known as: Hand nonunion repair, Nonunion reconstruction, Failed union repair
Surgical repair of a nonunion of a hand bone or joint, performed when previous fracture or injury failed to achieve bony union, including potential fixation and graft placement.
In Plain Language
Fixing a hand bone or joint that didn't heal; Surgery to heal a previously broken hand that didn't mend
Clinical Context
Indicated for symptomatic hand or finger nonunion, typically requiring hardware fixation and often bone graft to promote union.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 10.56 |
| Total RVU | 10.56 |
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 10.56, this code ranks in the 60th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 26546?
CPT 26546 (Repair nonunion hand) is a Surgery code. Surgical repair of a nonunion of a hand bone or joint, performed when previous fracture or injury failed to achieve bony union, including potential fixation and graft placement.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26546?
The work RVU for CPT 26546 is 10.56. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26546 used?
Indicated for symptomatic hand or finger nonunion, typically requiring hardware fixation and often bone graft to promote union.
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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.