December 2008 page 6c
Surgery: Musculoskeletal, 26356, 26370 (Q&A)
Question: If a repair of a profundus tendon (with intact superficialis
tendon) is done in zone 2, what is the proper code,
26370 or 26356?
Mimi Hughes. Philadelphia, PA.
Answer: Code 26356, Repair or advancement, flexor tendon,
in zone 2 digital flexor tendon sheath (eg, no man's land);
primary, without free graft, each tendon, should be reported,
because it more accurately describes the procedure performed.
Zone 2 in the hand is from the middle palmar
crease to the middle of the middle phalynx of the fingers
(not the thumb)...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This article is a brief CPT Assistant Q&A from the musculoskeletal surgery section. It focuses on hand flexor tendon repair reporting in zone 2 and explains the distinction between the CPT codes referenced in the question and answer. The piece is aimed at coders and billers who need to understand the scope of the guidance and the anatomy-related context discussed in the article.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers identify which CPT code family is being discussed and whether the topic matches a specific tendon repair scenario. It is relevant for professional coding reference, education, and audit support involving hand surgery documentation.
Article Sections
December 2008 page 6c
Brief publication information and the coding question-and-answer format used in this entry.
What You Will Learn
The general topic addressed in the musculoskeletal surgery Q&A.
How the article frames the distinction between the two CPT procedures discussed.
What anatomical and procedural context the guidance focuses on.
The type of coding reference published by CPT Assistant in this issue.
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