A Tale of Two Pulleys: Can 26055 and 26160 Share the Same Bill?

Question:

Hello, I am inquiring about a bundling scenario my Physician and I are having some differences on and I wanted to get an opinion from you on it. We have cases where the trigger finger will be released at the level of the A1 pulley and the surgeon will lift the edge of the wound and take some dissection towards the A2 pulley and then excise said cyst from the A2 pulley. Our surgeon is wanting this unbundled for being separate issues and I am looking at it being done from the same incision seeing problems with Insurance. I will leave the documentation so nothing is left out for decision factor. Thank you in advance for your help.

After incision at distal palm overlying A1 pulley, veins protected, etc.:

".... The A1 pulley was incised longitudinally out to the proximal A2 pulley. proximally the fascial pulley was similarly divided. tendons were inspected, synovitis noted on the flexor tendons which was identified and debrided. Fraying tendon not present. There was no recurrent triggering with active flexion. In the area where the patient noted a mass was explored. This was along the proximal digital crease. By elevating the dorsal edge of the wound, dissection was taken out and a small retinacular cyst was noted to be coming off the A2 pulley. This was sharply excised...." They go on the close the incision

Answer:

I can appreciate the dilemma in this scenario.

In reviewing the AMA vignette for CPT code 26055, it describes releasing the trigger finger of the A1 pulley while "taking care to maintain the integrity of the A2 pulley." The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Global Service Data (GSD) states the "incision or resection of flexor tendon sheath, distant site (eg, 26055)" is not included in CPT 26160.

From a CPT perspective both can be billed together with supporting documentation, including the diagnosis header and indications paragraph of two distinct issues at different sites. Subset modifier XU (non-overlapping structure) would need to be appended.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 01/08/26.

Collagen Patch

Question:

I would like to get your opinion on what A6023 documentation is needed for billing out collagen patches.  Should they be noting the sizes and changes of the wound at follow-up visits?

Answer:

Excellent question! CMS is very clear that documentation for the application of A6023 Collagen dressing, sterile, size more than 48 sq in, each requires a physician's signed order, details on the wound's type, location, size, drainage, and specifics about the dressing used (type, size, and frequency of change). The documentation must also demonstrate the medical necessity for the collagen dressing, which, for Medicare, requires the product to be listed on the Product Classification List (PCL) following a Coding Verification Review (CVR).

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/18/25.

Removal of a Patellar Tendon Ossicle/Tibial Tubercle Ossicle

Question:

Is there another CPT that code can be used for the removal of a patellar tendon ossicle/tibial tubercle ossicle or is an unlisted procedure code the only option? Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated!

Answer:

Thanks for reaching out. Current CPT guidance for a patella tendon ossicle or tibial tubercle ossicle removal is unlisted CPT 27599.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/04/25.

0232T

Question:

Hi. We would like a little guidance on what is included in the PRP code 0232T. If the PRP injection is rendered in a tendon and a tendon fenestration/tenotomy is performed, is the fenestration included in the PRP code? Also, if PRP is being utilized to hydrodissect a tendon, is the hydrodissection included in the PRP injection?

Answer:

Thank you for asking KZA!

After creating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from a patient’s blood sample, that solution is injected into the target area, such as an injured knee or a tendon. In some cases, the clinician may use ultrasound to guide the injection. The purpose is to promote and/or accelerate the healing process of the tendon and tissue regeneration. 

Both fenestration and hydro-dissection are also performed to promote healing of the tendon and surrounding tissue, and when performed in conjunction with PRP injection, should not be reported separately.  

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/20/25.

Tendon Repairs

Question:

Can you provide additional clarification regarding correct selection for your tendon repair? AMA states code selection should be where the tendon is repaired not the originating area of the tendon.

Answer:

We appreciate you reaching out. AMA guidance is correct for repairing of tendons.  CPT code selection for tendon repairs with grafts are based on the recipient site not the donor site. 

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/06/25.

X-Ray Documentation

Question:

Is it required to have the specific x-ray views noted in the documentation or will the code description of the number of views be sufficient?

Answer:

Thank you for asking KZA! The specific views performed must be documented in the radiology findings. 

Best practice wording example: "X-ray of the left knee obtained 3 views" based on CPT nomenclature.

Clinical Examples in Radiology Fall 2024 describe the views as (eg, AP, lateral, and sunrise, and posteroanterior) views but state "code selection depends on the number (not the type) of views."

Findings: Joint space narrowing with osteophyte formation, no acute fracture. Impression: Degenerative joint disease." 

It is important to document clinical history and confirmed or definitive diagnosis(es). 

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/23/25.