How To Use CPT Code 69554

CPT 69554 describes the extended excision of an aural glomus tumor, which involves a mastoidectomy and, in some cases, a craniotomy and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles. 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 69554?

CPT 69554 is used to describe the extended excision of an aural glomus tumor. This procedure involves the removal of the tumor, which may require a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and the removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles. The purpose of this procedure is to fully extract the entire tumor and relieve pain for the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 69554 is: ‘Excision aural glomus tumor; extended (extratemporal).’ This code specifically refers to the extended excision of an aural glomus tumor, which may involve additional procedures such as a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in front of the ear and dissecting through the subcutaneous tissues and fascia.
2. Using an operating microscope or loupes, the provider carefully identifies and protects the facial nerve, hypoglossal nerve, spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein, and carotid artery in the neck.
3. The provider then proceeds to remove the mastoid and expose the jugular bulb, which is ligated inferiorly.
4. After stripping the mastoid sinus of its attachments and surrounding tissue, the provider opens and packs the cavity to control bleeding.
5. If necessary, the provider may also remove the parotid gland to further mobilize the facial nerve.
6. Depending on the size and extent of the tumor, the provider may also remove the ear canal and ossicles.
7. Once the tumor has been fully excised, the provider controls any bleeding, sutures the incision closed, and applies a dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 69554 is performed on patients with aural glomus tumors that require extended excision. These tumors are usually benign and vascular, causing pain primarily in the ear. The procedure may involve a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles. It is important to note that this procedure is only performed when necessary to fully extract the tumor and relieve the patient’s pain.

5. When to use CPT code 69554

CPT code 69554 should be used when the provider performs an extended excision of an aural glomus tumor. This code is appropriate when the procedure involves a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 69554, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of an aural glomus tumor
• Details of the extended excision procedure, including the use of a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles
• Date of the procedure
• Specific anatomical structures identified and protected during the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed, such as removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles
• Control of bleeding and closure of the incision
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 69554, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for an extended excision of an aural glomus tumor. The documentation should clearly support the use of this code, including the details of the procedure and any additional procedures performed. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 69554 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future editions of the CPT manual.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes an extended excision of an aural glomus tumor, which involves a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles.
2. The provider performs an extended excision of an aural glomus tumor, utilizing a mastoidectomy and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles.
3. During the procedure, the provider performs a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles to fully extract the aural glomus tumor.
4. An extended excision of an aural glomus tumor is performed, involving a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles.
5. The provider performs an extended excision of an aural glomus tumor, which requires a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles.
6. During the procedure, the provider removes an aural glomus tumor through a mastoidectomy, craniotomy, and removal of the parotid gland, ear canal, and ossicles.