CPT code 26055 represents an open surgical release of the flexor tendon sheath for trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis). This minor hand surgery is commonly performed to relieve pain, locking, and restricted motion caused by a swollen tendon or nodules on the tendon. Nationally, the code matters because trigger finger interventions are frequent in outpatient orthopedic and hand surgery settings and generate routine surgical and facility billing activity.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides a concise overview of clinical indication and procedure coding, typical sites of service, common modifiers and billing considerations, and payer coverage patterns where available. Readers will find benchmarks for utilization and allowed amounts where present, summaries of payer policy themes relevant to procedural authorization and documentation, and clinical context describing the nature of the procedure and expected service lines.

The content is designed for coding professionals, revenue cycle managers, and clinical leaders seeking a compact reference on CPT code 26055, its clinical purpose, billing environment, and the payer landscape influencing reimbursement and prior authorization practices.