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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

You May Append Modifier -50 to These Auditory Codes

Published on Wed Feb 02, 2005

Bilateral approval can boost cochlear implant rates

Your otolaryngologist can now offer cochlear implants bilaterally, as well as 64 other CPT procedures.  

Medicare changed the bilateral status indicator from "0" (150 percent payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does not apply) to "1" (150 percent payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies) on otolaryngology codes 69440-69979 (except 69676, 69710*). The series includes these procedures:
   middle ear exploration (69440)
   tympanolysis (69450)
   mastoidectomy (69501-69511, 69601-69605)
   excision aural polyp/glomus tumor (69540-69554)
   tympanic membrane repair (69610)
   myringoplasty (69620)
   tympanoplasty (69631-69646)
   stapes mobilization (69650)
   stapedectomy/stapedotomy (69660-69662)
   window fistula repair (69666-69667)
   mastoid obliteration (69670)
   postauricular fistula closure (69700)
   implantation/replacement implant (69714-69718)
   facial nerve decompression/suture (69720-69745)
   labyrinthotomy/labyrinthectomy (69801-69802, 69905)
   fenestration (69820, 69840)
   cochlear implant (69930)
   excision vestibular nerve section (69950)
   canal decompression (69960)
   temporal bone tumor removal (69970).  * Code 69676 already contained "1." Code 69710 contains "9" (Concept does not apply).
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