Wiki Small Finger Extensor Tendons

[adunlap23]

I understand that the EDC and EIP tendons join up to enter the small finger. For coding purposes, I need to know if they run side-by-side (as two separate tendons) or do they actually form one tendon.
For instance, if a doctor performs extensor tenolysis on the RT hand, small finger, can I report 26445 for both tendons, or does it only count as one?
Any help is appreciated!

 

[amyjph]

One when you get into the finger. What does the op note say specifically? Was the work done at the hand level or at the finger?

https://www.assh.org/handcare/safety/tendons#:~:text=Extensor%20digitorum%20communis%20(EDC)%20tendons&text=The%20tendons%20travel%20down%20the,hand%20and%20onto%20each%20finger.

 

[adunlap23]

One when you get into the finger. What does the op note say specifically? Was the work done at the hand level or at the finger?

https://www.assh.org/handcare/safety/tendons#:~:text=Extensor%20digitorum%20communis%20(EDC)%20tendons&text=The%20tendons%20travel%20down%20the,hand%20and%20onto%20each%20finger.

He stated that it was done at the finger. He stated "I completed tenolysis of the RT small finger extensor tendon" (as in singular), but I was confused because I was thinking the EDC and EIP tendons were still separate at this point.
Thank you for your reply.
-Ashley

 

[amyjph]

Yes, sounds like the one.