26685 Treat hand dislocation
Also known as: Hand dislocation open treatment, Open reduction, Surgical fixation
Open treatment of a hand joint dislocation with operative reduction and fixation, using surgical intervention to reduce the dislocation and maintain alignment.
In Plain Language
Surgery to fix a dislocated hand joint; Operative treatment of hand dislocation
Clinical Context
Indicated for hand joint dislocations that cannot be reduced by closed means, have associated fractures, or require operative reduction for stable reduction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.89 |
| Total RVU | 6.89 |
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 6.89, this code ranks in the 45th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 26685?
CPT 26685 (Treat hand dislocation) is a Surgery code. Open treatment of a hand joint dislocation with operative reduction and fixation, using surgical intervention to reduce the dislocation and maintain alignment.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26685?
The work RVU for CPT 26685 is 6.89. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26685 used?
Indicated for hand joint dislocations that cannot be reduced by closed means, have associated fractures, or require operative reduction for stable reduction.
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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.