Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Closed treatment of phalangeal shaft fracture, proximal or middle phalanx, finger or thumb; with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction, each

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 26725 refers to the closed treatment of a phalangeal shaft fracture specifically located in the proximal or middle phalanx of either the finger or thumb. This procedure is characterized by the manipulation of the fracture, which may be accompanied by the use of skin or skeletal traction, depending on the severity and displacement of the fracture. In cases where a single phalangeal shaft fracture is present, the treatment involves realigning the fractured bone fragments to restore proper anatomical positioning. If multiple fractures are treated, each fracture must be reported separately to ensure accurate coding and billing. Prior to the treatment, a neurovascular examination is conducted to assess the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the injury site, ensuring that there are no additional complications. Radiographs, or X-rays, are also obtained to confirm the presence of the fracture and to verify that the manipulation has successfully restored the bone to its correct alignment. The immobilization of the finger is achieved through the application of a splint, which may vary in type based on the specific needs of the patient and the nature of the fracture. This procedure is essential for ensuring proper healing and function of the affected digit.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of a phalangeal shaft fracture, as described by CPT® Code 26725, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Displaced Phalangeal Shaft Fracture A fracture of the proximal or middle phalanx of the finger or thumb that has resulted in the bone fragments being misaligned or displaced.
  • Need for Manipulation Situations where manual manipulation is required to realign the fractured bone fragments to restore proper anatomical positioning.
  • Assessment of Neurovascular Integrity Cases where a neurovascular examination is necessary to ensure that the nerves and blood vessels around the fracture site are intact and functioning properly.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 26725 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the phalangeal shaft fracture:

  • Step 1: Neurovascular Examination Before any treatment is initiated, a thorough neurovascular examination is performed. This assessment is crucial to confirm that the nerves and blood vessels in the area of the fracture are intact, which helps to prevent further complications during the treatment process.
  • Step 2: Radiographic Confirmation Following the neurovascular assessment, radiographs (X-rays) are obtained to confirm the presence of the fracture and to evaluate the degree of displacement. This imaging is essential for determining the appropriate treatment approach.
  • Step 3: Manipulation of Fracture If the fracture is determined to be displaced, the next step involves the manual manipulation of the fracture fragments. The healthcare provider carefully applies force to realign the bone fragments back to their proper anatomical position, ensuring that they are correctly aligned for optimal healing.
  • Step 4: Application of Traction (if needed) Depending on the severity of the fracture, skin or skeletal traction may be applied to maintain the reduction achieved through manipulation. Skin traction involves using a malleable splint and taping the finger to provide support, while skeletal traction may involve placing a wire through the bone and using a rubber band to maintain alignment.
  • Step 5: Immobilization After successful manipulation and any necessary traction application, the finger is immobilized using an appropriate splint. This immobilization is critical to prevent movement at the fracture site, allowing for proper healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for a patient who has undergone the closed treatment of a phalangeal shaft fracture includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as increased pain, swelling, or changes in neurovascular status. The immobilization device, whether a splint or traction, should remain in place for the duration recommended by the healthcare provider to ensure proper healing. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess the healing process through additional radiographs and to make any adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. Patients may also receive instructions on pain management and activity restrictions to promote optimal recovery.

Short Descr TREAT FINGER FRACTURE EACH
Medium Descr CLTX PHLNGL FX PROX/MIDDLE PX/F/T W/MANJ EA
Long Descr Closed treatment of phalangeal shaft fracture, proximal or middle phalanx, finger or thumb; with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction, each
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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 3
CCS Clinical Classification 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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).
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
T5 Right foot, great toe
T6 Right foot, second digit
T7 Right foot, third digit
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"