You could use the open procedure code for comparison, 64718 (Neuroplasty and or/transposition; ulnar nerve at elbow), or the endoscopic carpal tunnel release code 29848 (Endoscopy, wrist, surgical, with release of transverse carpal ligament). *This response is based on the best information available as of 5/23/19.
CPT code 29848 describes endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament of the wrist. CPT code 64721 describes a neuroplasty and/or transposition of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel and includes open release of the transverse carpal ligament.
Things to remember
Carpal tunnel syndrome, unspecified upper limb G56. 00 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM G56. 00 became effective on October 1, 2021.
CPT Code: 64721 Release of the transverse carpal ligament is known as “carpal tunnel release” surgery.
Open carpal tunnel release (CPT 64721) is a Group 2 procedure, reimbursed at $446, nearly three times less than the endoscopic procedure. It was around this time that more surgeons began discovering the benefits of minimally invasive surgical techniques for carpal tunnel release.
01 - Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb. G56. 01 - Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb is a topic covered in the ICD-10-CM.
During open carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut. This releases pressure on the median nerve and relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. An incision is made at the base of the palm of the hand. This allows the doctor to see the transverse carpal ligament.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed by billing system query using Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for all patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release (CTR) (CPT code 64721) and/or open cubital tunnel surgery (CPT code 64718) by 1 of 4 hand surgeons from August 2008 to July 2013.
CPT Code: 26055 Trigger finger, trigger thumb, or trigger digit, is a common disorder characterized by catching, snapping or locking of the involved finger flexor tendon, associated with dysfunction and pain.
CPT code 29848 describes endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament of the wrist. CPT code 64721 describes a neuroplasty and/or transposition of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel and includes open release of the transverse carpal ligament.
INJECTION OF TENDON SHEATHS, LIGAMENTS, GANGLION CYSTS, CARPAL AND TARSAL TUNNELSCodeDescription20526INJECTION, THERAPEUTIC (EG, LOCAL ANESTHETIC, CORTICOSTEROID), CARPAL TUNNEL20550INJECTION(S); SINGLE TENDON SHEATH, OR LIGAMENT, APONEUROSIS (EG, PLANTAR "FASCIA")20551INJECTION(S); SINGLE TENDON ORIGIN/INSERTION2 more rows
04.43 Release of carpal tunnel - ICD-9-CM Vol. 3 Procedure Codes.
ICD-10-CM Code for Pain in hand and fingers M79. 64.
M79. 641 - Pain in right hand. ICD-10-CM.