How Much Does Incise Finger Tendon Sheath Cost?
Also known as: Incise finger tendon sheath (CPT 26055)
Trigger finger release surgery to treat a finger that catches or locks when you try to bend it.
The total estimated cost of Incise Finger Tendon Sheath (CPT 26055) is $967 to $1,812, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $288.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Incise Finger Tendon Sheath
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under local anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision at the base of the finger and releases the tight tendon sheath. You can move the finger immediately after.
How Long Does It Take?
10-20 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis), finger locking or catching, painful clicking when bending the finger
How to Prepare
No special preparation. You can usually drive yourself. The finger can be used gently right away. Full recovery takes a few weeks.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Incise finger tendon sheath
How to Reduce Your Cost for Incise finger tendon sheath
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($630) differs from the facility rate ($288). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (18.85) x CF ($33.40) = $630
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Incise finger tendon sheath cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Incise finger tendon sheath is $288. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Incise finger tendon sheath cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Incise finger tendon sheath can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Incise finger tendon sheath?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Incise finger tendon sheath when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.