Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Implantation, osseointegrated implant, skull; with magnetic transcutaneous attachment to external speech processor, within the mastoid and/or resulting in removal of less than 100 sq mm surface area of bone deep to the outer cranial cortex

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 69716 involves the implantation of an osseointegrated implant in the skull, specifically designed for individuals with hearing loss. This procedure utilizes a magnetic transcutaneous attachment that connects to an external speech processor, which amplifies sound for the patient. The osseointegrated implant is anchored to the skull, allowing sound vibrations to be transmitted through the bone directly to the cochlea, thereby facilitating improved auditory perception. The implantation is performed within the mastoid area, which is a part of the temporal bone located behind the ear. It is crucial that the mastoid is healthy and that the patient's hearing loss is not attributed to chronic infections, as these conditions could complicate the procedure and its outcomes. During the surgery, a specific area of less than 100 square millimeters of bone is removed, which is deep to the outer cranial cortex, to create a well for the implant. The surgical site is carefully planned to ensure optimal placement of the device, typically at a height that aligns with the top of the auricle, approximately 5.5 cm behind the ear canal. The procedure requires meticulous dissection and preparation of the site to accommodate the implant components, ensuring that the device can effectively merge with the living tissue over time. This integration process is essential for the long-term success of the implant, as it allows for stable attachment and effective sound transmission through the bone conduction system.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 69716 is indicated for patients experiencing specific types of hearing loss that can benefit from bone conduction implants (BCI). The following conditions are explicitly mentioned as suitable for this procedure:

  • Healthy Mastoid The mastoid bone must be in a healthy state, free from chronic infections or other pathological conditions that could compromise the surgical outcome.
  • Non-Chronic Hearing Loss The hearing loss should not be a result of chronic infections, ensuring that the procedure can be performed safely and effectively.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the implantation of an osseointegrated implant involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the successful placement of the device:

  • Step 1: Surgical Site Preparation The surgical site is planned at a specific location, approximately 5.5 cm behind the ear canal and at the same height as the top of the auricle. This precise location is chosen to optimize the effectiveness of the implant.
  • Step 2: Hair Removal and Marking Prior to the incision, hair in the area is removed to maintain a sterile environment. The planned implant site is then measured and marked, along with the transducer site, using ink and a needle to ensure accurate placement.
  • Step 3: Incision and Dissection An incision is made at the marked site, followed by careful dissection to create a subpericranial pocket. This pocket is necessary for the placement of the implant coil and magnet, ensuring that the components are securely housed.
  • Step 4: Identification of Transducer Site The transducer site is identified and marked on the skull to guide the drilling process. This step is crucial for the accurate placement of the implant.
  • Step 5: Drilling Fixation Holes Fixation holes are drilled into the skull, taking care to avoid critical structures such as the sigmoid sinus and dura mater over the temporal lobe. This step requires precision to prevent complications.
  • Step 6: Measuring Depth and Drilling The depth of the site is measured to ensure proper accommodation for the fixation screw. The skull is then drilled to remove less than 100 square millimeters of surface area beyond the outer cortex, creating a well for the transducer.
  • Step 7: Placement of Implant Components The coil, magnet, and transducer pieces are placed into the well created in the bone. The entire device is then fixed to the skull using the fixation screw, which is set to a specific torque value to ensure stability.
  • Step 8: Skin Flap Adjustment The thickness of the skin flap over the magnet and coil is measured and carefully reduced to an optimal thickness for transcutaneous transmission, facilitating effective sound conduction.
  • Step 9: Integration with Living Tissue Over the following months, the implant will merge with the living tissue, establishing a stable connection that allows for the external speech processor to be attached and removed as needed.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients can expect a recovery period during which the implant integrates with the surrounding tissue. It is essential to monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection or complications. The external speech processor can be attached to the implant via the magnet, allowing for sound amplification. Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding care of the surgical site and any restrictions on activities during the healing process. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess the integration of the implant and the effectiveness of the device in improving hearing.

Short Descr IMPL OI IMPLT SK TC ESP<100
Medium Descr IMPL OI IMPLT SKULL MAG TC ATTACHMENT ESP<100
Long Descr Implantation, osseointegrated implant, skull; with magnetic transcutaneous attachment to external speech processor, within the mastoid and/or resulting in removal of less than 100 sq mm surface area of bone deep to the outer cranial cortex
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) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
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)
Date
Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Changed Guideline added.
2023-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2022-01-01 Added Code added
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"