Summary & Overview
CPT 26560: Syndactyly Release, Separation of Congenitally Joined Fingers
CPT code 26560 represents surgical release of syndactyly — the separation of congenitally joined fingers with reconstruction using local skin flaps. This procedure is a common hand reconstructive operation performed to restore digital independence, improve function, and allow normal hand growth; it therefore carries importance for pediatric and reconstructive surgical care nationally. Payors typically involved in coverage decisions for this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context about the procedure, typical sites of service such as ambulatory surgery centers and hospital operating rooms, and the types of information payers consider when adjudicating claims. The publication provides benchmarks and coding guidance relevant to billing and documentation, highlights common modifiers and coding relationships (where available), and summarizes policy considerations that affect coverage and prior authorization practices. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable. This summary is intended for coding professionals, surgical practices, revenue cycle staff, and policy analysts seeking a concise national overview of CPT code 26560 and its clinical and billing context.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 26560 describes surgical separation of congenitally joined fingers (syndactyly release). The procedure involves incising between joined digits and reconstructing the web space using local skin flaps created during division.
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Service type: Surgical, hand reconstructive procedure
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 6-month-old infant presents to a pediatric hand surgery clinic with congenital syndactyly of the second and third fingers of the right hand, limiting finger separation and affecting future grasp development. The surgical team evaluates the patient in clinic, obtains consent from the parents, and schedules an outpatient procedure in a pediatric ambulatory surgery center. On the day of surgery the patient undergoes general anesthesia. The surgeon incises the web space between the fused digits, creates local skin flaps to reconstruct separate digital webs, releases any fibrous bands, and repairs the flaps with fine sutures. The hand is dressed and immobilized with a soft splint; parents receive postoperative care instructions including wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up in 1–2 weeks for suture removal and therapy initiation if indicated. Typical documentation includes preoperative diagnosis, operative report describing incision and flap design, estimated blood loss, anesthesia type, and postoperative condition.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
-59 | Distinct procedural service | When another procedure performed on the same day is separate and not integral to the web space reconstruction |
-62 | Two surgeons | When two surgeons with distinct specialties perform separate portions of the reconstruction concurrently