How To Use CPT Code 69706

CPT 69706 describes a surgical procedure involving the use of a medical device to view the sinuses and nasal passages. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 69706?

CPT 69706 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the use of a medical device to view the sinuses and nasal passages. This procedure is specifically used for the dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter. It is important to note that CPT code 69706 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 31231 and 92511.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 69706 is: ‘Nasopharyngoscopy, surgical, with dilation of eustachian tube (i.e., balloon dilation); bilateral.’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported with code 69705.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing 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. After the dilation, the balloon is deflated and withdrawn through the endoscope.
6. The procedure is performed bilaterally to treat both eustachian tubes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 69706 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 to relieve a stricture or narrowing of the eustachian tube by inflating the balloon and increasing the diameter of the tube.

5. When to use CPT code 69706

CPT code 69706 should be used when performing a surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with code 69705.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 69706, 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
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of a balloon catheter for dilation
• Whether the procedure was performed bilaterally

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 69706, ensure that the procedure involves the surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with code 69705.

8. Historical information

CPT code 69706 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 patient with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction undergoes surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter on both sides.
2. A patient with hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear undergoes surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter on both sides.
3. A provider performs surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter on a patient with moderately severe eustachian tube dysfunction.
4. A patient with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction undergoes bilateral surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter.
5. A provider performs surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter on a patient with hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear.
6. A patient with moderately severe eustachian tube dysfunction undergoes bilateral surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter.
7. A provider performs surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter on a patient with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction.
8. A patient with hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear undergoes bilateral surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter.
9. A provider performs surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter on a patient with moderately severe eustachian tube dysfunction.
10. A patient with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction undergoes surgical nasopharyngoscopy with dilation of the eustachian tube using a balloon catheter on both sides.