How To Use CPT Code 69220

CPT 69220 describes the postoperative removal of granulation tissue from the mastoid cavity after a mastoidectomy. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 69220?

CPT 69220 can be used to describe the debridement procedure performed by a healthcare provider to clean out the mastoid cavity after a mastoidectomy. This code is used when the provider removes any damaged or unhealthy tissue from the cavity, allowing healthy tissue to grow and promoting proper healing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 69220 is: ‘Debridement, mastoidectomy cavity, simple (eg, routine cleaning).’ This code may be reported with modifier 50 for a bilateral procedure.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs the postoperative removal of granulation tissue from the mastoid cavity.
2. The provider then irrigates the cavity and the external auditory canal with normal saline.
3. Antibiotic drops are instilled in the bony cavity, and a dressing is applied.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 69220 is performed after a mastoidectomy, which is a surgical procedure that involves opening up the mastoid cavity or excising the mastoid air cells and surrounding structures. Patients may require debridement procedures to remove granulation tissue and promote proper healing of the cavity. This code is used for routine cleaning and removal of damaged or unhealthy tissue from the mastoid cavity.

5. When to use CPT code 69220

CPT code 69220 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a simple debridement procedure on the mastoid cavity after a mastoidectomy. This code is appropriate for routine cleaning and removal of granulation tissue. If the debridement procedure is more extensive or complex, CPT code 69222 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 69220, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the debridement procedure
• Description of the debridement performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 69220, ensure that the procedure is a simple debridement of the mastoid cavity after a mastoidectomy. Use modifier 50 if the procedure is performed bilaterally. It is important to note that CPT code 69220 should not be reported if more extensive or complex debridement is performed. In such cases, CPT code 69222 should be used instead.

8. Historical information

CPT 69220 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performing a routine cleaning of the mastoid cavity after a mastoidectomy.
2. A patient requiring debridement of the mastoid cavity to remove granulation tissue and promote proper healing.
3. A provider irrigating the mastoid cavity and external auditory canal with normal saline after a mastoidectomy.
4. A healthcare provider instilling antibiotic drops in the bony cavity of the mastoid after a mastoidectomy.
5. A patient receiving a dressing application after a debridement procedure on the mastoid cavity.
6. A provider performing a bilateral debridement of the mastoid cavities after bilateral mastoidectomies.
7. A patient with persistent granulation tissue in the mastoid cavity requiring a simple debridement procedure.
8. A healthcare provider removing damaged tissue from the mastoid cavity to promote proper healing.
9. A patient undergoing routine cleaning of the mastoid cavity after a mastoidectomy.
10. A provider performing a debridement procedure on the mastoid cavity to prevent infection and promote healing.