How To Use CPT Code 69960

CPT 69960 describes the procedure of decompressing the internal auditory canal to relieve pressure. 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 69960?

CPT 69960 can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider relieves pressure on the internal auditory canal. This code is used when the provider performs a decompression of the canal to alleviate the pressure on the structures within.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 69960 is: ‘Decompression internal auditory canal.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient.
2. A vertical incision is made anterior to the auricle.
3. The temporal muscle is exposed and divided.
4. A section of the patient’s skull is removed to expose the dura mater over the temporal lobe of the brain.
5. The provider elevates the dura from the middle fossa.
6. The internal auditory canal is identified.
7. The provider uses a drill to decompress the canal.
8. A muscle graft is placed over the internal auditory canal.
9. The bone in the skull is replaced.
10. The incision is closed with sutures and a dressing is applied.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may require CPT 69960 are those who have pressure on the internal auditory canal that needs to be relieved. This procedure is typically performed when other conservative treatments have failed to alleviate the pressure. The healthcare provider must be qualified and experienced in performing this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 69960

CPT code 69960 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a decompression of the internal auditory canal to relieve pressure. It is important to ensure that this procedure is medically necessary and appropriate for the patient’s condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 69960, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for decompression of the internal auditory canal
• Details of the procedure, including the specific steps taken
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 69960, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for medical necessity and appropriateness. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements set by the payer. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers that may need to be appended to the code.

8. Historical information

CPT 69960 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 performs a decompression of the internal auditory canal to relieve pressure on the structures within.
2. A patient with symptoms of auditory canal compression undergoes a decompression procedure to alleviate the pressure.
3. After failed conservative treatments, a healthcare provider decides to perform a decompression of the internal auditory canal for a patient with persistent symptoms.
4. A patient with a diagnosed condition requiring decompression of the internal auditory canal undergoes the procedure to relieve pressure.
5. A healthcare provider performs a decompression procedure on a patient with a history of recurrent pressure on the internal auditory canal.
6. Due to worsening symptoms, a patient undergoes a decompression of the internal auditory canal to alleviate the pressure.
7. A healthcare provider recommends a decompression procedure for a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of internal auditory canal compression.
8. After careful evaluation, a healthcare provider determines that a decompression of the internal auditory canal is necessary to relieve the patient’s symptoms.
9. A patient with persistent pain and discomfort in the auditory canal undergoes a decompression procedure to alleviate the pressure.
10. A healthcare provider performs a decompression of the internal auditory canal as part of the treatment plan for a patient with a specific condition.