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The procedure described by CPT® Code 69320 involves the surgical reconstruction of the external auditory canal in patients diagnosed with congenital atresia, a condition characterized by the absence of the external ear canal, also known as aural atresia. This condition can occur in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral), leading to significant hearing impairment and potential complications related to ear infections and other auditory issues. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the skin at the site where the external auditory canal is to be formed. The surgical approach requires careful dissection and drilling of the overlying bone to reach the level of the ossicles, which are the small bones in the middle ear that play a crucial role in hearing. To reconstruct the canal, a small fascial graft is harvested and placed over the ossicles to serve as a foundation for the eardrum. Additionally, skin grafts are obtained and applied over the exposed bone within the newly created canal, ensuring proper healing and functionality of the reconstructed auditory pathway. This intricate procedure aims to restore hearing and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by this congenital condition.
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The procedure is indicated for patients with congenital atresia, specifically when there is an absence of the external auditory canal, which can lead to hearing loss and other auditory complications. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:
The surgical procedure for CPT® Code 69320 involves several critical steps to successfully reconstruct the external auditory canal. Each step is essential for achieving the desired outcome of restoring hearing functionality.
After the procedure, patients will require careful monitoring and follow-up care to ensure proper healing and functionality of the reconstructed auditory canal. Post-operative care may include pain management, instructions for wound care, and follow-up appointments to assess healing and auditory function. Patients may also need to avoid water exposure to the ear during the initial healing phase to prevent infection and complications. The expected recovery time can vary based on individual circumstances, but ongoing audiological assessments will be necessary to evaluate the success of the procedure and the restoration of hearing capabilities.
| Short Descr | REBUILD OUTER EAR CANAL | Medium Descr | RCNSTJ XTRNL AUD CANAL CONGENITAL ATRESIA 1 STG | Long Descr | Reconstruction external auditory canal for congenital atresia, single stage | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 26 - Other therapeutic ear procedures |
| 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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