Summary & Overview
CPT 25300: Flexor Tendon Anchoring to Wrist Bone
CPT code 25300 represents surgical anchoring of flexor tendons of the fingers to bone in the wrist to restore normal hand motion. Nationally, this procedure matters because it addresses functional loss from tendon ruptures, avulsions, or severe hand injuries that impair grip and dexterity. Surgical repair and tendon anchoring are integral to hand surgery, rehabilitation planning, and postoperative care pathways across inpatient and outpatient surgical settings.
Key payers typically involved in coverage and payment for this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a practical overview of clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, and the core elements that influence billing and authorization. The publication also outlines benchmarks for utilization and payment patterns where available, summarizes relevant policy considerations that payers commonly apply to operative tendon repairs, and highlights coding and documentation issues that affect claims adjudication.
This executive summary prepares clinicians, billing staff, and policy analysts to interpret how CPT code 25300 is applied in surgical practice, what to expect in payer interactions, and which aspects of clinical documentation are most relevant for coverage and accurate claim submission.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 25300 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider anchors flexor tendons of the fingers to bone in the wrist to restore normal hand motion. This procedure involves reattaching or securing tendon tissue to bony structures to re-establish functional flexion of the fingers.
Service Type: Surgical — tendon repair/reattachment of the hand/wrist
Typical Site of Service: Operating room or ambulatory surgery center
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult presenting with impaired finger flexion and hand weakness after a laceration, crush injury, or chronic tendon rupture with retraction. The patient reports inability to flex one or more fingers, pain localized to the volar wrist or distal forearm, and possible sensory changes. Physical exam shows loss of active flexion at the affected digits, possible tendon discontinuity, and preserved neurovascular status. Preoperative workup includes focused hand and wrist radiographs to assess bony anatomy, ultrasound or MRI when tendon integrity is unclear, and standard preoperative medical clearance.
The clinical workflow begins with initial evaluation in hand surgery or orthopedic clinic, imaging as indicated, and preoperative consent discussing risks, benefits, and alternatives. On the day of surgery, the patient is taken to the ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room. Anesthesia may be regional block or general. The procedure involves exposure of the flexor tendons at the wrist, mobilization of tendon ends, and anchoring the finger flexor tendons to the carpal or distal radius bones to reestablish tension and finger motion. Postoperative care includes wound checks, splinting, early supervised hand therapy, and staged rehabilitation to restore range of motion and strength. Expected typical site of service is the hospital outpatient surgery department or ambulatory surgery center. The service type is major reconstructive tendon surgery of the wrist/hand requiring operative intervention and postoperative rehabilitation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 |