2025 CPT code 26025

Drainage of palmar bursa; single, bursa.

Code 26025 is reported only once per operative session, regardless of the number of incisions made to drain a single bursa. Modifier -50 (bilateral procedure) should not be used with 26025. If multiple bursae are drained, use 26030.

Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations.For example, if the procedure is performed on the left hand, modifier LT may be appended.If performed on the right hand, modifier RT may be appended.

Medical necessity for 26025 must be supported by documentation of the presence of a symptomatic infected palmar bursa that requires drainage for relief and prevention of complications such as spread of infection. Conservative treatments, if attempted, should also be documented.

The physician is responsible for performing the surgical procedure, which includes incision, drainage of the infected fluid, and any necessary wound closure.They must also evaluate the patient's condition, diagnose the infection, and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Post-operative care and management of any complications are also part of the physician's responsibility.

IMPORTANT For drainage of multiple palmar bursae, use 26030.

In simple words: This procedure drains fluid from an infected sac (bursa) in the palm of your hand.The bursa helps your tendons move smoothly, but it can get infected and swell.The doctor makes a small cut to drain the fluid and help it heal.

Drainage of a single (either radial or ulnar) palmar bursa in the hand.This procedure involves incision and drainage of an infected bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that cushions tendons and bones to reduce friction. The procedure typically includes making an incision to access the infected bursa, draining the fluid, and sometimes placing a temporary drain. It may be performed under local or regional anesthesia.

Example 1: A patient presents with a swollen, painful, and erythematous thenar eminence consistent with an infected radial bursa.The physician performs an incision and drainage of the radial bursa using code 26025., A patient with diabetes develops an infected hypothenar bursa (ulnar bursa). The physician performs a drainage procedure of the single ulnar bursa, coding it as 26025., A patient injures their hand, leading to an infection of a single palmar bursa.The physician performs an incision and drainage of the infected bursa, billing with code 26025.

Documentation should include the diagnosis of the infected palmar bursa (e.g., infection of radial bursa, infection of ulnar bursa), the location of the bursa (radial or ulnar), the surgical technique used for drainage, and any associated complications. Pre-operative and post-operative evaluations should also be documented.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery
  • Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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