Tendons (0L) ICD-10-PCS
The 0L body system covers Medical and Surgical procedures on tendons, with 1,563 ICD-10-PCS codes across 19 root operations, 1,544 of them billable in fiscal year 2026. Each root operation defines a distinct procedural objective, and the info icons show the official definition with a preview of the codes inside.
Root Operations in This Body System 19 operations · 1,563 codes
| Chars 1–3 | Root Operation | Codes | Billable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0L2 | ChangeTaking out or off a device from a body part and putting back an identical or similar device in or on the same body part without cutting or puncturing the skin or a mucous membrane | 5 | 4 |
| 0L5 | DestructionPhysical eradication of all or a portion of a body part by the direct use of energy, force or a destructive agent | 85 | 84 |
| 0L8 | DivisionCutting into a body part without draining fluids and/or gases from the body part in order to separate or transect a body part | 85 | 84 |
| 0L9 | DrainageTaking or letting out fluids and/or gases from a body part | 253 | 252 |
| 0LB | ExcisionCutting out or off, without replacement, a portion of a body part | 169 | 168 |
| 0LC | ExtirpationTaking or cutting out solid matter from a body part | 85 | 84 |
| 0LD | ExtractionPulling or stripping out or off all or a portion of a body part by the use of force | 29 | 28 |
| 0LH | InsertionPutting in a non-biological appliance that monitors, assists, performs or prevents a physiological function but does not physically take the place of a body part | 7 | 6 |
| 0LJ | InspectionVisually and/or manually exploring a body part | 9 | 8 |
| 0LM | ReattachmentPutting back in or on all or a portion of a separated body part to its normal location or other suitable location | 57 | 56 |
| 0LN | ReleaseFreeing a body part from an abnormal physical constraint by cutting or by use of force | 113 | 112 |
| 0LP | RemovalTaking out or off a device from a body part | 33 | 32 |
| 0LQ | RepairRestoring, to the extent possible, a body part to its normal anatomic structure and function | 85 | 84 |
| 0LR | ReplacementPutting in or on biological or synthetic material that physically takes the place and/or function of all or a portion of a body part | 169 | 168 |
| 0LS | RepositionMoving to its normal location or other suitable location all or a portion of a body part | 57 | 56 |
| 0LT | ResectionCutting out or off, without replacement, all of a body part | 57 | 56 |
| 0LU | SupplementPutting in or on biological or synthetic material that physically reinforces and/or augments the function of a body part | 169 | 168 |
| 0LW | RevisionCorrecting, to the extent possible, a portion of a malfunctioning device or the position of a displaced device | 39 | 38 |
| 0LX | TransferMoving, without taking out, all or a portion of a body part to another location to take over the function of all or a portion of a body part | 57 | 56 |
The info icon shows the official root operation definition and previews the codes in that range.
About the 0L Body System
The ICD-10-PCS root operations related to the Tendons body system cover a wide range of procedures involving cutting, repairing, removing, or modifying tendon structures. Each operation targets specific clinical goals, from inspection to reconstruction.
For example, the procedure Division (0L8) involves cutting into a tendon to separate it without drainage, while Drainage (0L9) is about letting out fluids or gases from the tendon area. Repair (0LQ) aims to restore the tendon’s normal structure and function, whereas Replacement (0LR) entails putting in biological or synthetic material that takes the place of tendon tissue. Other operations include Insertion (0LH), where a non-biological device is placed to assist tendon function, and Extraction (0LD), meaning forcibly pulling out all or part of the tendon. This detailed classification allows precise coding of tendon procedures, essential for accurate clinical documentation and billing.
Questions About This Page
How many codes are in the 0L body system?
The 0L body system contains 1,563 ICD-10-PCS codes in FY 2026, organized into 19 root operations. 1,544 of them are billable on inpatient claims.
What is a root operation?
The root operation is the third character of every ICD-10-PCS code and names the objective of the procedure. Drainage takes fluid out, Excision cuts out a portion of a body part, and Resection removes all of one. Picking the right root operation is the central skill of PCS coding, so each one above carries its official CMS definition.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS order file and code tables, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
