A 27-year-old male was cutting wood, using a circular saw, when he accidentally cut off the end of his 3rd digit. On x-ray it showed that he cut the distal phalange and partially cut the middle phalange of the 3rd digit. Due to bone splinters and need for debridement, the 3rd digit middle phalange was amputated back to the proximal phalange, leaving a wide border of healthy bone and tissue. What is the correct CPT code for this procedure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

26951 is the correct code because this was an amputation of the finger with a specific phalanx noted.
Code 26910 is incorrect because this code is for amputation of the metacarpal with finger or thumb amputation. Code 26952 is incorrect because this code involves local flaps indicating a larger repair. 26989 is incorrect because this code is for an unlisted procedure and the procedure above has a specific code available.

A 27-Year-Old Male Was Cutting Wood, Using a Circular Saw