CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Suture Button Suspensionplasty Fixation System for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·Orthopedics, General Surgery·Medical Policy
Effective date
May 1, 2024
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield has classified suture button suspensionplasty fixation systems for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis as investigational, meaning these procedures are not covered and will be denied. Billing teams should use CPT 26989 (unlisted procedure) when submitting these claims but expect denials.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must flag CPT 26989 for suture button suspensionplasty procedures as investigational/non-covered for BCBS plans. Update billing system to alert staff that these claims will be denied. Providers should inform patients of non-coverage before treatment and collect payment upfront or recommend covered alternatives like traditional trapeziectomy with LRTI.