Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II Q4049: Finger Splint, Static
HCPCS Level II code Q4049 denotes a static finger splint used to immobilize and support finger joints for acute injuries, post-procedural care, or certain chronic conditions. As a nationally recognized HCPCS Level II code for durable medical equipment and orthotic devices, Q4049 is relevant across outpatient orthopedic, urgent care, and ambulatory settings where splints are furnished or applied. The code matters because appropriate coding affects coverage determination, claims adjudication, and consistent reporting for prosthetic/orthotic supplies.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for use of a static finger splint, typical sites of service, common modifiers and payer considerations, and where to look for policy guidance. The publication summarizes billing and coverage themes, explains why the code is used in practice, and highlights administrative points that influence reimbursement and documentation needs.
This guide provides clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts with clear direction on how Q4049 is positioned within durable medical equipment coding, what clinical situations commonly prompt its use, and which national payers typically handle claims for this device. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code Q4049 describes a finger splint, static. This code represents a prefabricated or custom finger immobilization device designed to provide static support and stabilization of one or more finger joints following injury, post-procedural immobilization, or for certain chronic conditions requiring restriction of motion.
Service type: Durable medical equipment / orthotic device.
Typical site of service: Outpatient clinics, orthopedic offices, urgent care centers, and ambulatory surgical centers where finger splints are applied or furnished.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 35-year-old patient presents to an outpatient orthopedic or urgent care clinic with acute pain, swelling, and limited motion of the index finger after a jammed-finger injury while playing recreational sports. On examination there is localized tenderness over the proximal interphalangeal joint and mild malalignment without open wound. Radiographs are obtained to exclude displaced fracture. After imaging and clinical assessment the treating clinician determines that a short-term immobilization with a static finger splint is appropriate to protect a sprain, avulsion, nondisplaced tuft fracture, or tendon irritation. The clinician fits a prefabricated or custom-molded static finger splint, provides skin protection and dressing as needed, instructs the patient on activity restrictions and wound care if applicable, and documents the indication, laterality, splint type, and duration of use in the medical record. Typical sites of service include outpatient orthopedic clinics, urgent care centers, emergency departments, and physical or occupational therapy clinics where splint application is performed by a qualified clinician or therapist.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
LT | Left side | When the splint is applied to the left finger |
RT |