26844 Fusion/graft of hand joint
Also known as: hand joint fusion with graft, finger joint fusion, metacarpal joint fusion
Surgical fusion of a hand joint (other than interphalangeal of thumb) with autogenous bone graft and internal fixation for enhanced union.
In Plain Language
fusing hand joint with bone graft; hand joint surgery with graft material
Clinical Context
Used for complex hand joint fusion cases requiring bone graft supplementation and internal fixation to achieve solid bony union in difficult cases.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.76 |
| Total RVU | 8.76 |
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 8.76, this code ranks in the 53rd 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 26844?
CPT 26844 (Fusion/graft of hand joint) is a Surgery code. Surgical fusion of a hand joint (other than interphalangeal of thumb) with autogenous bone graft and internal fixation for enhanced union.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26844?
The work RVU for CPT 26844 is 8.76. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26844 used?
Used for complex hand joint fusion cases requiring bone graft supplementation and internal fixation to achieve solid bony union in difficult cases.
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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.