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The procedure described by CPT® Code 26060 refers to a percutaneous tenotomy, which is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to cut a tendon in a specific digit. This procedure is typically performed to relieve tension or to correct deformities associated with conditions affecting the tendons. During the tenotomy, the skin over the affected tendon is first cleansed to reduce the risk of infection. Anatomical landmarks are then identified, and puncture sites are marked to ensure accurate needle placement. An 18 gauge needle is subsequently inserted through the skin and advanced to the targeted area beneath the tendon. The needle is positioned with its cutting edge facing the tendon, and as it is withdrawn, it effectively cuts the tendon longitudinally. This technique allows for precise tendon release while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. It is important to report CPT® Code 26060 for each digit on which this percutaneous tenotomy is performed, reflecting the specific nature of the procedure and its application to individual digits.
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The percutaneous tenotomy procedure indicated by CPT® Code 26060 is typically performed for specific conditions affecting the tendons of the digits. These indications may include:
The procedure for a percutaneous tenotomy as described by CPT® Code 26060 involves several key steps:
After the percutaneous tenotomy is performed, post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients may be advised to rest the affected digit and avoid strenuous activities that could strain the tendon. Monitoring for signs of infection at the puncture site is also important. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess healing and to determine if further intervention is necessary. Patients should be informed about the expected recovery timeline and any rehabilitation exercises that may be recommended to restore function and mobility to the digit.
| Short Descr | INCISION OF FINGER TENDON | Medium Descr | TENOTOMY PERCUTANEOUS SINGLE EACH DIGIT | Long Descr | Tenotomy, percutaneous, single, each digit | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 5 | CCS Clinical Classification | 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | F1 | Left hand, second digit | F2 | Left hand, third digit | F3 | Left hand, fourth digit | F4 | Left hand, fifth digit | F5 | Right hand, thumb | F6 | Right hand, second digit | F7 | Right hand, third digit | F8 | Right hand, fourth digit | F9 | Right hand, fifth digit | FA | Left hand, thumb | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | T2 | Left foot, third digit | T3 | Left foot, fourth digit | T5 | Right foot, great toe | T7 | Right foot, third digit | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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