Summary & Overview
CPT 27659: Revision Repair of Flexor Tendons of the Leg
CPT code 27659 identifies revision repair of flexor tendons in the leg, including possible graft placement, for patients who previously underwent tendon repair. This surgical code is clinically significant because revisions often reflect complex anatomy, scar tissue, and the need for specialized operative technique to restore function and reduce pain. Nationally, such procedures impact surgical utilization, post-operative rehabilitation needs, and episodes of orthopedic care.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for the code, typical sites of service, and payer coverage patterns. The publication outlines how CPT code 27659 is used in practice, common billing considerations, and expected service lines. It also highlights benchmarks for utilization and payment where available and notes areas where data is not available in the input. The content is designed for clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a clear national perspective on coding and service implications for revision flexor tendon repair of the leg.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27659 describes a surgical procedure for repair of one or more flexor tendons of the leg in a patient who has had a prior repair. The procedure may include placement of a graft and is performed to restore function and relieve pain following a failed or recurrent tendon repair.
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Service type: Reconstructive tendon repair surgery
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Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgery center
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old male recreational soccer player presents with chronic plantar foot pain and restricted toe flexion 8 months after an initial flexor tendon repair of the leg/foot following an eversion injury. Imaging and examination reveal a failed prior repair with tendon gap formation and adhesions. The orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon schedules a revision flexor tendon repair with possible graft placement under regional or general anesthesia in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center. Preoperative workflow includes history, targeted vascular and neurologic exam, informed consent documenting prior repair status, review of imaging (ultrasound or MRI), anesthesia evaluation, and perioperative antibiotics. Intraoperatively the surgeon excises scar tissue, performs adhesiolysis, revises the tendon repair and places a graft if needed to restore tendon length and tension. Postoperative workflow includes immobilization in a splint or cast, analgesia, formal hand/foot therapy referral for controlled mobilization, and follow-up visits to monitor wound healing and tendon function. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department. Service type: surgical — revision tendon repair of the lower extremity (flexor tendon of the leg/foot).
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the provider’s professional service separate from facility technical component (rare for surgery). |