26843 Fusion of hand joint
Also known as: hand joint fusion, finger joint arthrodesis, metacarpal joint fusion
Surgical fusion of a hand joint (other than interphalangeal of thumb) without bone graft using direct bone-to-bone apposition and internal fixation.
In Plain Language
fusing hand joint permanently; joining hand bones together
Clinical Context
Indicated for arthritis, post-traumatic joint damage, or instability of hand joints requiring fusion to eliminate pain and provide stability.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.59 |
| Total RVU | 7.59 |
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 7.59, this code ranks in the 48th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 26843?
CPT 26843 (Fusion of hand joint) is a Surgery code. Surgical fusion of a hand joint (other than interphalangeal of thumb) without bone graft using direct bone-to-bone apposition and internal fixation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26843?
The work RVU for CPT 26843 is 7.59. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26843 used?
Indicated for arthritis, post-traumatic joint damage, or instability of hand joints requiring fusion to eliminate pain and provide stability.
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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.