How To Use CPT Code 69915

CPT 69915 describes a surgical procedure known as vestibular nerve section, which involves disconnecting a balance organ from the brain. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 69915?

CPT 69915 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called vestibular nerve section. This procedure involves disconnecting a balance organ from the brain. It is typically performed using the translabyrinthine approach, which provides the best view of the lateral brain stem.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 69915 is: ‘Vestibular nerve section, translabyrinthine approach.’ This procedure is used to disconnect a balance organ from the brain, and it is performed through the translabyrinthine approach. It is important to note that for a transcranial approach, a different CPT code, 69950, should be used.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned in the supine position.
2. The physician makes a postauricular incision.
3. A mastoidectomy is performed.
4. A bony labyrinthectomy is completed, removing the semicircular canals.
5. The physician cuts the vestibular nerve.
6. Abdominal adipose tissue is harvested and used to obliterate the mastoid defect.
7. The incision is then closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 69915 is typically performed on patients who require a vestibular nerve section. This procedure is indicated for conditions that affect the balance organ and require disconnection from the brain. It is important to note that the procedure is performed using the translabyrinthine approach, which provides the best view of the lateral brain stem.

5. When to use CPT code 69915

CPT code 69915 should be used when a vestibular nerve section is performed using the translabyrinthine approach. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed for the appropriate indications and that the approach used is the translabyrinthine approach. If a different approach, such as the transcranial approach, is used, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 69915, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the vestibular nerve section
• Details of the procedure, including the approach used (translabyrinthine)
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or findings
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 69915, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed is a vestibular nerve section using the translabyrinthine approach. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, it is important to note that CPT code 69915 should not be reported if CPT codes 69905 to 69914 have already been performed in the previous seven days.

8. Historical information

CPT code 69915 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 patient undergoes a vestibular nerve section using the translabyrinthine approach to treat severe vertigo.
2. A physician performs a vestibular nerve section using the translabyrinthine approach to address a patient’s balance issues caused by a tumor.
3. A vestibular nerve section using the translabyrinthine approach is performed on a patient with Meniere’s disease to alleviate symptoms.
4. A physician performs a vestibular nerve section using the translabyrinthine approach to treat a patient with recurrent vestibular schwannoma.
5. A patient undergoes a vestibular nerve section using the translabyrinthine approach to address persistent dizziness and imbalance.