2025 CPT code 26562
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Feed
Repair of syndactyly (web finger) each web space; complex (e.g., involving bone, nails).
Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 50 for bilateral procedures; Modifiers LT and RT for specifying left or right side; Modifiers F1-F9 for specific finger involvement; Modifier 76 for repeat procedure by the same physician; Modifier 77 for repeat procedure by another physician.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting functional impairment caused by the syndactyly, affecting the patient's ability to grasp, manipulate objects, or perform age-appropriate activities.Cosmetic concerns alone are usually insufficient for insurance coverage.
The surgeon performs the procedure under general anesthesia.A tourniquet is used, and incisions are made to separate the webbed fingers. Bone is reshaped or grafted if needed, and nail beds may be reconstructed. Skin flaps are carefully created and vascularization is monitored. The area is then sutured and dressed, and a splint or cast may be applied.
In simple words: This surgery separates fingers that are joined together at birth (webbed fingers). It's a complex procedure because it involves working with the bones and nails of the affected fingers to make them separate and functional. Skin grafts might be used to cover the area after the fingers are separated.
This procedure describes the surgical separation of webbed fingers, a condition known as syndactyly. The complexity of this procedure stems from the involvement of bone and nail structures. The surgery aims to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the hand by separating the fused digits, reconstructing the nails, and utilizing skin grafts where necessary.
Example 1: A 1-year-old child presents with complete syndactyly of the middle and ring fingers, involving both bone and nail fusion.Procedure 26562 is performed to separate the digits, reshape the bones, and reconstruct the nails., A 6-month-old infant has complex syndactyly of the second and third toes, requiring bone and nail separation. Code 26562 is used, reflecting the complex nature of the toe separation., A teenager has a residual web between two fingers after a previous, simpler syndactyly repair in childhood. Due to bone and nail involvement discovered during the procedure, the complex repair, 26562, is performed.
Preoperative imaging (X-ray, MRI); Intraoperative photos; Operative report detailing the extent of bone and nail involvement, techniques used for separation and reconstruction, and any complications encountered; Postoperative care plan.
** For simple syndactyly repair without bone or nail involvement, use code 26560 or 26561.For toe syndactyly repair, the same codes are used, but the diagnosis should reflect the specific toe involvement.
- Revenue Code: P3D
- Specialties:Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatric Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital - Inpatient, Hospital - Outpatient