2025 CPT code 20924

Tendon graft from a distant site (e.g., palmaris, toe extensor, plantaris).

Refer to the official CPT coding guidelines for detailed information on appropriate use of code 20924.Specific guidelines regarding the harvesting of tendon grafts from various locations should be considered.

Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures), 59 (distinct procedural service), 76 (repeat procedure), and others may apply depending on the clinical scenario.Consult the CPT manual for appropriate modifier usage.

Medical necessity for a tendon graft is established when there is a significant tendon or ligament injury requiring surgical repair that cannot be achieved with other methods.The use of an autologous graft minimizes the risk of rejection and infection compared to an allograft. Specific documentation demonstrating the severity and functional impact of the injury will be necessary to support medical necessity.

The surgeon is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, including appropriate patient selection, harvesting of the tendon graft from the donor site, preparation of the graft, and implantation of the graft at the recipient site. Postoperative care is also the responsibility of the surgeon.

IMPORTANT 15769 (for other autologous soft tissue grafts harvested by direct excision); 15771-15774 (for autologous fat grafting harvested by liposuction).

In simple words: The doctor takes a tendon from one part of your body (like your hand, foot, or ankle) to repair a damaged tendon or ligament in another area.

This CPT code reports the harvesting of a tendon graft from a distant site in the body (such as the palmaris longus, extensor tendon of the fifth toe, or plantaris tendon) for use as a graft to repair damaged tendons or ligaments.The procedure involves incising the skin over the donor site, performing blunt dissection to free the tendon, detaching it from its insertion or origin, harvesting the tendon, and then suturing the incision in a layered fashion.The harvested tendon graft is then used at the repair site.

Example 1: A patient presents with a complete rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in the thumb. The surgeon decides to harvest the palmaris longus tendon from the forearm to act as the graft. Code 20924 is reported in addition to the code for the tendon repair., A patient sustains a severe laceration to the hand resulting in significant damage to multiple flexor tendons. The surgeon uses a combination of autologous tendon grafts (code 20924) and allograft tendon grafts to achieve complete repair.The number of autologous tendons used would determine if multiple codes would be billed. , An athlete has a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.The surgeon performs an ACL reconstruction using a tendon graft harvested from the patient's patellar tendon.In this case, 20924 may be reported in addition to the code for ACL reconstruction (depending on whether or not this is explicitly included in the reconstruction code).

* Preoperative diagnosis and indication for the tendon graft.* Detailed operative report describing the location of the donor site, the technique used for harvesting the graft, the size and type of tendon harvested, and the method of fixation at the recipient site.* Postoperative care instructions and follow-up plan.* Imaging studies (if performed) such as MRI, CT, or ultrasound.

** The selection of the donor tendon depends on factors such as the size and strength requirements of the recipient site, the availability of suitable donor tendons, and surgeon preference.Accurate documentation of the type and location of the harvested tendon is essential for appropriate coding and reimbursement.

  • Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
  • RVU: Consult the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for current RVU values and reimbursement rates.These values vary by region and payer.
  • Global Days : The global period for this procedure is dependent on the specific circumstances of the case and the associated primary procedure. Refer to CPT guidelines and payer-specific policies for clarification.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code as it represents the entire procedure of harvesting the tendon graft.
  • Fee Schedule : Consult the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for historical fee schedule data.
  • Specialties:Orthopedic surgery, hand surgery, sports medicine
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.