How To Use CPT Code 69705

CPT 69705 describes a surgical procedure involving the use of a medical device to view the sinuses and nasal passages. 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 69705?

CPT 69705 can be used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter. This code is used when the provider performs the procedure on one side of the patient’s eustachian tube.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 69705 is: ‘Nasopharyngoscopy, surgical, with dilation of eustachian tube (ie, balloon dilation); unilateral.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares and anesthetizes the nasal passages.
2. An endoscope is inserted through the nose to provide a view of the sinuses and nasal passages.
3. A specially designed balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the eustachian tube through the endoscope.
4. The provider inflates the balloon to dilate the eustachian tube.
5. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn through the endoscope.
6. The endoscope is also withdrawn.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 69705 is indicated for patients with moderately severe, chronic eustachian tube dysfunction or hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear. The procedure is performed on one side of the patient’s eustachian tube.

5. When to use CPT code 69705

CPT code 69705 should be used when the provider performs a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on one side of the patient. It should not be used for bilateral procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 69705, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure, such as chronic eustachian tube dysfunction or hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear
• Date of the procedure
• Side of the eustachian tube on which the procedure was performed
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an endoscope and balloon catheter
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 69705, ensure that the procedure is performed on one side of the patient’s eustachian tube. Do not report CPT 69705 for bilateral procedures. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 69705 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 69705 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2021. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the right side of a patient with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction.
2. A patient presents with hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear, and the provider performs a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the left side.
3. A provider performs a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the right side of a patient with moderately severe eustachian tube dysfunction.
4. A patient with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction undergoes a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the left side.
5. A provider performs a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the right side of a patient with hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear.
6. A patient with moderately severe eustachian tube dysfunction undergoes a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the left side.
7. A provider performs a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the right side of a patient with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction and hearing loss.
8. A patient presents with hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear, and the provider performs a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the left side.
9. A provider performs a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the right side of a patient with moderately severe eustachian tube dysfunction.
10. A patient with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction undergoes a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube on the left side.