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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesFirst Carpometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty with Prosthetic Replacement ProcedureCPT cpt-1003t-thumb-cmc-joint-reconstruction-prosthetic-implant
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    CPT 1003T: First Carpometacarpal (Thumb) Joint Reconstruction

    CPT code 1003T describes surgical reconstruction of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb by removing damaged portions of the distal trapezium and proximal first metacarpal and replacing them with prosthetic implants; this is an operative joint reconstruction procedure typically performed in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient setting to restore thumb function and relieve pain from arthritis or traumatic injury.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Hip Arthroplasty (partial and total hip replacement), Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total, Partial, Reverse, Revision and Resurfacing), Artificial Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty).

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 62-year-old right-hand dominant female presents with progressive pain, stiffness, and decreased pinch strength at the base of the dominant thumb refractory to conservative care (splinting, NSAIDs, steroid injection). Clinical exam demonstrates tenderness at the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint with limited range of motion and weakened key pinch. Imaging (radiographs) shows advanced osteoarthritic collapse and joint space loss of the trapeziometacarpal articulation. The orthopedic hand surgeon schedules surgical reconstruction of the first CMC joint using prosthetic implant arthroplasty to remove the damaged distal trapezium and proximal first metacarpal and place a prosthetic implant to restore joint mechanics and relieve pain.

    The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation with medical optimization, consent and implant selection, pre-op templating and imaging review, intraoperative joint exposure and removal of diseased bone, implant trialing and definitive implantation, intraoperative x-ray confirmation, wound closure, and postoperative immobilization with a thumb spica splint. Postoperative care includes pain control, occupational hand therapy for range of motion and strengthening, wound checks, and follow-up radiographs to assess implant position and symptom resolution.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    26010Repair, tendon sheath, or pulley; extensor or flexor tendon sheath, primary repairPerformed if concurrent repair of thumb tendon sheath or associated tendon injury is required during surgery.
    20610Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; major joint or bursa (e.g., shoulder, hip, knee joint)May be performed preoperatively for diagnostic or therapeutic injections in the thumb CMC joint prior to deciding on arthroplasty.
    20680Removal of implant; deep (e.g., buried wires, pins, plates)Used if prior failed hardware at the first CMC joint must be removed before prosthetic implantation.
    26446Arthroplasty, interposition, or joint reconstruction, thumb carpometacarpal jointAlternative reconstructive procedures of the first CMC joint; may be performed instead of or in conjunction with prosthetic arthroplasty depending on intraoperative findings.
    76000Fluoroscopy (intraoperative)Represents intraoperative imaging often used to confirm implant placement and alignment during first CMC prosthetic arthroplasty.
    99070Supplies and materials (e.g., bandages, dressings, splints)Used for additional non-implant supplies provided during the surgical encounter or postoperative period.

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    24Modifier 24 denotes an unrelated evaluation and management (E/M) service performed by the same physician or qualified healthcare professional during a postoperative global period. Per CPT guidance,…- Use modifier 24 when you report an evaluation and management (E/M) service performed by the same physician or same-specialty group during a procedure’s postoperative global period that is unrelated…
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    79Modifier 79 indicates a surgical procedure performed during the postoperative global period of a prior surgery that is unrelated to the original procedure. Per AMA/CPT and CMS guidance, it is…- Use modifier 79 when the same physician (or same‑specialty physician in the same group) performs a surgical procedure during the postoperative global period of a prior surgery and the new procedure…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207RH0000XHematology (Internal Medicine) PhysicianAn internist with additional training who specializes in diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph. This specialist treats conditions such as anemia, cl…
    208100000XPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation PhysicianPhysical medicine and rehabilitation, also referred to as rehabilitation medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosing, evaluating, and…
    101200000XDrama TherapistDrama therapists are trained in the intentional use of drama and theatre processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapists provide psychotherap…
    2472R0900XRenal Dialysis TechnicianTechnologists, Technicians & Other Technical Service Providers · Technician, Other
    261QF0400XFederally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)Ambulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
    202C00000XIndependent Medical Examiner PhysicianA special evaluator not involved with the medical care of the individual examinee that impartially evaluates the care being provided by other practiti…
    1223D0001XPublic Health DentistryThe science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts. It is that form of…
    2865C1500XDeactivated - Military Hospital

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Orthopedics/Musculoskeletal1 / 3

    7 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Hip Arthroplasty (partial and total hip replacement)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total, Partial, Reverse, Revision and Resurfacing)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Artificial Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Resurfacinguniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Lumbar Fusion (arthrodesis) with decompressionuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Osteochondral Grafting of the Kneeuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Sacroiliac Joint Fusion or Stabilizationuniverahealthcare2026-10-15

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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