26551 Great toe-hand transfer
Also known as: Great toe transfer, Toe-to-hand transfer, Hallux transfer, Toe pollicization
Surgical transfer of the great toe (hallux) to the hand as a thumb replacement or supplementary digit, performed to restore opposition and pinch in patients with thumb loss.
In Plain Language
Moving a big toe to become a thumb; Toe transplant to replace lost thumb
Clinical Context
Indicated for bilateral thumb loss, single severe thumb deficiency, or when hand function is significantly compromised by thumb absence and microsurgical reconstruction is feasible.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 47.27 |
| Total RVU | 47.27 |
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 47.27, this code ranks in the 98th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 26551?
CPT 26551 (Great toe-hand transfer) is a Surgery code. Surgical transfer of the great toe (hallux) to the hand as a thumb replacement or supplementary digit, performed to restore opposition and pinch in patients with thumb loss.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26551?
The work RVU for CPT 26551 is 47.27. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Microsurgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26551 used?
Indicated for bilateral thumb loss, single severe thumb deficiency, or when hand function is significantly compromised by thumb absence and microsurgical reconstruction is feasible.
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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.