2025 CPT code 25295
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Musculoskeletal System Feed
Tenolysis of a single flexor or extensor tendon in the forearm and/or wrist.
Modifiers may be applicable. For example, modifier 76 would be used if the same physician performs a repeat tenolysis on the same tendon, and modifier 54 would be appended if the physician performed the surgery only, with postoperative care managed by another provider.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the functional limitations caused by the tendon adhesions, failed conservative treatment (e.g., physical therapy), and expected improvement in function following the procedure.
The surgeon makes a Z-shaped incision, exposes the affected tendon, removes the scar tissue (adhesions) restricting movement, and repairs the incision. The surgeon may also assess tendon movement intraoperatively by asking the patient to flex or extend their fingers or hand.
In simple words: This procedure frees a tendon in the forearm or wrist from scar tissue, allowing it to move smoothly again. The surgeon makes a small cut, finds the tendon, removes the scar tissue, and then closes the cut. This helps restore normal movement.
Surgical release of adhesions or scar tissue around a single flexor or extensor tendon in the forearm and/or wrist to restore normal tendon movement. This includes the incision, identification of the tendon, lysis of adhesions, and closure. Each tendon is coded separately.
Example 1: A patient with limited finger flexion due to scar tissue after a wrist fracture., A patient with restricted wrist extension following a tendon laceration repair., A patient with decreased range of motion and pain in their forearm following a crush injury that resulted in tendon scarring.
Documentation should include details of the affected tendon(s), the location of the adhesion/scar tissue, operative findings, and any complications. Pre- and post-operative range of motion assessments should also be documented.
** Code 25295 is reported per tendon. Therefore, if tenolysis is performed on multiple tendons during the same session, the code should be reported for each tendon with the appropriate modifier appended (e.g., "-59" for distinct procedural service).
- Specialties:Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department, Office