26568 Lengthen metacarpal/finger
Also known as: Metacarpal lengthening, Digit lengthening, Bone lengthening
Surgical lengthening of a metacarpal bone or finger through osteotomy, distraction, or bone graft placement to increase digit length and improve hand appearance or function.
In Plain Language
Making a short finger or hand bone longer; Surgery to lengthen a finger
Clinical Context
Indicated for short digit syndrome, metacarpal shortening, or when digit lengthening improves functional pinch or appearance.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 9.04 |
| Total RVU | 9.04 |
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 9.04, this code ranks in the 55th 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 26568?
CPT 26568 (Lengthen metacarpal/finger) is a Surgery code. Surgical lengthening of a metacarpal bone or finger through osteotomy, distraction, or bone graft placement to increase digit length and improve hand appearance or function.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26568?
The work RVU for CPT 26568 is 9.04. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Microsurgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26568 used?
Indicated for short digit syndrome, metacarpal shortening, or when digit lengthening improves functional pinch or appearance.
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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.