Summary & Overview
CPT 26340: Manipulation of Finger Joint Under Anesthesia
CPT code 26340 covers manipulation of a finger joint performed under anesthesia, involving passive movements and stretching to restore or improve joint mobility. Nationally, this code is relevant to hand surgeons, orthopedic specialists, and ambulatory surgical facilities that manage stiffness, contractures, or post-traumatic finger joint dysfunction. Proper coding affects claims processing, anesthesia billing, and site-of-service determination. Key payers in the national analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find concise benchmarks for utilization patterns, payer coverage considerations, and clinical context for when manipulation under anesthesia is billed for finger joints. The summary outlines procedural indications, typical settings where the service is delivered, and the billing implications clinicians and billing staff should track. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable; the publication does not offer clinical recommendations but summarizes coding intent, common billing modifiers listed for administrative use, and areas where payers commonly apply medical necessity review.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 26340 describes a procedure in which the provider performs manipulation of a finger joint under anesthesia, consisting of passive movements and stretching of the joint. This service is typically categorized as a minor surgical or procedural intervention involving joint manipulation to restore or improve range of motion.
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Service type: Procedural manipulation of a finger joint under anesthesia
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department; may also be performed in an office setting with appropriate anesthesia and monitoring
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient presents to an outpatient orthopedics clinic with progressive stiffness and pain of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the right index finger following a distal radius fracture treated conservatively three months earlier. Conservative care including splinting, NSAIDs, and home range-of-motion exercises produced limited improvement. The hand surgeon schedules a manipulation of the finger joint under anesthesia to break adhesions and improve passive range of motion. On the day of service, the patient undergoes pre-procedure evaluation, informed consent, and a short-acting regional block in the procedure suite. Under monitored anesthesia care, the surgeon performs gentle, controlled passive movements and stretching of the affected finger joint until improved excursion is achieved. The joint is reassessed for stability and neurovascular status, and a soft dressing or splint is applied. The typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department, though this procedure can be performed in an office-based procedure room equipped for sedation and anesthesia. Typical payors include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, and Medicare.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Normal, default professional service | Use when the procedure is performed as reported without any unusual circumstances. |