2025 CPT code 26373

Secondary repair or advancement of the profundus tendon with intact superficialis tendon, without free graft.

Follow CPT coding guidelines for musculoskeletal procedures and tendon repairs.Ensure documentation supports the chosen code and the status of the repair (secondary).Modifier 54 may be appended if the surgeon performs only the surgical portion of the procedure.

Modifiers may be applicable.Examples include: -22 (Increased Procedural Services) -54 (Surgical Care Only) -76 (Repeat Procedure by Same Physician)Refer to current modifier guidelines for appropriate use.

Medical necessity must be established by documenting the functional impairment caused by the tendon injury and the need for surgical intervention to restore function.

The physician or other qualified healthcare professional performs the surgical repair, including incision, dissection, tendon repair or advancement, hemostasis, and wound closure.They are responsible for determining the appropriate procedure based on the patient's condition and the nature of the tendon injury.

IMPORTANT Related codes include 26370 (primary repair of profundus tendon), 26372 (secondary repair with free graft).If the superficialis tendon is also damaged, different codes apply.

In simple words: This procedure repairs a deep tendon in the finger when the more superficial tendon is not injured. It's done a while after the initial injury, not immediately, and doesn't involve taking tendon from elsewhere in the body.

This code describes a secondary repair or advancement procedure for a profundus tendon injury in the hand or finger, where the superficialis tendon remains intact, performed without using a free graft.A secondary repair indicates that the procedure is not performed immediately after the initial injury, but rather after a delay, possibly due to infection, failed primary repair, or other complications.The procedure involves surgical exposure of the profundus tendon, re-attachment or advancement of the tendon to restore function, and closure of the surgical site.Each tendon repaired is reported separately.

Example 1: A patient sustained a deep finger tendon injury two weeks prior and now presents for delayed surgical repair., A patient had a primary tendon repair that failed and now requires secondary repair., A patient with a delayed presentation of a tendon injury and significant edema undergoes secondary repair.

Documentation should include details of the initial injury, the reason for delayed repair, operative report detailing the procedure, including the condition of the tendons, the type of repair performed, and any complications encountered.

** This code describes a secondary repair, meaning it is not the initial repair attempt. This distinguishes it from 26370. This code does not include a free graft, which is when tissue is grafted from another site.The distinction is reflected in the use of code 26372. Each tendon repaired should be coded separately.

  • Global Days : Global days are determined by the payer.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery
  • Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Physician's Office
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