26951 Amputation of finger/thumb
Also known as: finger amputation, thumb amputation, digit amputation
Surgical amputation of a single finger or thumb at any level with appropriate soft tissue closure and neurovascular management.
In Plain Language
removing finger or thumb; digit amputation
Clinical Context
Indicated for severe trauma, gangrene, osteomyelitis, malignancy, or irreversible tissue damage requiring complete finger or thumb removal.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.89 |
| Total RVU | 5.89 |
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 5.89, this code ranks in the 39th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 26951?
CPT 26951 (Amputation of finger/thumb) is a Surgery code. Surgical amputation of a single finger or thumb at any level with appropriate soft tissue closure and neurovascular management.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 26951?
The work RVU for CPT 26951 is 5.89. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 26951 used?
Indicated for severe trauma, gangrene, osteomyelitis, malignancy, or irreversible tissue damage requiring complete finger or thumb removal.
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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.