CPT 26442 Surgery - Musculoskeletal

How Much Does Release Palmar & Finger Tendon Cost?

Also known as: Release palm & finger tendon (CPT 26442)

Release Palmar & Finger Tendon (CPT 26442) costs $961 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $3.

Cost Comparison by Payer

How much Release palm & finger tendon costs across different settings and payers

Medicare
Facility rate
$961
Hospital Outpatient
OPPS rate
$3
Surgery Center
ASC rate
$1
Medicare (Facility)
$961
CMS PFS 2026 national rate
Hospital Outpatient
$3
OPPS rate
Surgery Center (ASC)
$1
Ambulatory surgery center

Procedures Commonly Done Together

These procedures are frequently performed alongside Release palm & finger tendon

Loading related procedures...

How to Reduce Your Cost for Release palm & finger tendon

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

    Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.

  • 3
    Shop around — costs vary significantly

    Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.

  • 4
    Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)

    This procedure is available at ASCs for $1, compared to $3 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.

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.

9.51
Work RVU
17.42
Practice Expense RVU
1.84
Malpractice RVU
28.77
Total RVU

Payment = Total RVU (28.77) x CF ($33.40) = $961

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Release palm & finger tendon cost?

The Medicare facility rate for Release palm & finger tendon is $961. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $3. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $1. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).

How much does Release palm & finger tendon cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of Release palm & finger tendon 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 Release palm & finger tendon?

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Release palm & finger tendon 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.

Share This Cost Information

My Cost List

0 procedures

No procedures added yet

Click "Add to My List" on any procedure to start building your estimate.