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The procedure described by CPT® Code 26320 involves the removal of an implant from the finger or hand. Implants in this context are typically placed in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, which are critical areas for hand function. These implants are primarily utilized to address arthritic conditions in the finger joints when less invasive treatments have not successfully alleviated pain or improved functionality. Over time, there may be a need to remove these implants due to complications such as infection or mechanical failure of the device. The surgical process begins with making an incision in the skin over the affected area, allowing access to the underlying soft tissues. The surgeon carefully dissects these tissues to expose the implant, which is then extracted. Following the removal, if necessary, a separate procedure for joint reconstruction or fusion may be conducted. Finally, the soft tissues and skin are meticulously closed in layers to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The removal of an implant from the finger or hand, as described by CPT® Code 26320, is indicated in specific clinical scenarios. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for the removal of an implant from the finger or hand involves several critical steps that ensure the safe extraction of the device. The process begins with the surgeon making an incision in the skin over the area where the implant is located. This incision is strategically placed to provide optimal access to the implant while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues to expose the implant. This dissection must be performed with precision to avoid injury to nerves and blood vessels in the vicinity. After the implant is fully exposed, the surgeon proceeds to remove it from the joint. In some cases, if the joint has sustained damage or if further intervention is necessary, a separate procedure for joint reconstruction or fusion may be performed at this time. Following the successful removal of the implant, the surgeon closes the soft tissues and skin in layers, ensuring that the incision is properly sealed to facilitate healing and reduce the risk of complications.
After the removal of the implant, patients can expect specific post-procedure care to support recovery. It is essential to monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Patients may be advised to keep the area clean and dry, and to follow any specific wound care instructions provided by the healthcare provider. Pain management may be necessary, and patients should discuss appropriate options with their physician. Depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient's overall health, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be recommended to restore function and strength to the affected finger or hand. Follow-up appointments will be crucial to assess healing and to determine if any further interventions are required.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF IMPLANT FROM HAND | Medium Descr | REMOVAL IMPLANT FROM FINGER/HAND | Long Descr | Removal of implant from finger or hand | 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) | 1 - Statutory 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 | T-Packaged Codes | 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) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 4 | CCS Clinical Classification | 164 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on musculoskeletal system |
| LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 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). | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 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.) | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | 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 | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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