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

Removal, entire osseointegrated implant, skull; with magnetic transcutaneous attachment to external speech processor, within the mastoid and/or involving a bony defect 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 69727 involves the complete removal of an entire osseointegrated implant from the skull, specifically one that is equipped with a magnetic transcutaneous attachment to an external speech processor. This type of implant, known as a bone conduction implant (BCI), is designed to amplify and conduct sound vibrations through the bone directly to the cochlea, thereby assisting individuals with hearing loss. The external speech processor is magnetically attached to the implant, which is situated beneath a thin layer of skin, allowing for a seamless integration into the patient's anatomy. Removal of the implant may be necessitated by various factors, including pain, infection, instability of the implant, trauma, or failure of the implant to properly osseointegrate with the surrounding bone. The procedure typically takes place in the mastoid region, which is located behind the ear, and may involve a bony defect that is less than 100 square millimeters in surface area, deep to the outer cranial cortex. This detailed understanding of the procedure is crucial for medical coders and billers to ensure accurate coding and billing practices.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 69727 is indicated for the complete removal of an osseointegrated implant in cases where the following conditions may be present:

  • Pain - Persistent discomfort or pain associated with the implant that may affect the patient's quality of life.
  • Infection - The presence of infection around the implant site that could compromise the integrity of the surrounding tissues and the implant itself.
  • Implant Instability - Situations where the implant is not securely integrated into the bone, leading to potential complications or ineffective sound conduction.
  • Trauma - Physical injury to the implant that may necessitate its removal to prevent further complications.
  • Failure to Osseointegrate - Instances where the implant has not successfully fused with the bone, rendering it ineffective for its intended purpose.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the removal of the osseointegrated implant involves several critical steps to ensure a safe and effective outcome:

  • Identification and Preparation - The location of the implant is identified in the bone behind the ear within the mastoid area. The skin overlying the implant is then measured, marked, and incised to prepare for the surgical intervention.
  • Creation of Flaps - Skin and periosteal flaps are created to provide access to the underlying tissues. This step is essential for exposing the implant while minimizing damage to surrounding structures.
  • Incision of Subcutaneous Tissue - The subcutaneous tissue surrounding the implant is carefully incised to allow for the removal of the implant. This step requires precision to avoid unnecessary trauma to adjacent tissues.
  • Drilling and Removal - The bone is drilled out to free the existing implant from its bed. This process involves careful manipulation to ensure that the implant is removed without causing additional injury to the surrounding bone.
  • Investigation of Complications - Once the implant is removed, the cause of any complications is investigated. This may involve assessing the condition of the surrounding tissues and the site of the implant.
  • Cleansing and Irrigation - The wound site is thoroughly cleansed and irrigated to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
  • Closure of Soft Tissues - Finally, the surrounding soft tissues are closed over the wound, ensuring that the area is properly sutured to facilitate recovery.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the removal of the osseointegrated implant is crucial for optimal recovery. Patients may be monitored for any signs of infection or complications at the surgical site. Pain management strategies will be implemented as needed, and patients may be advised on activity restrictions to promote healing. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess the healing process and determine if any further interventions are required. Additionally, patients should be educated on signs of complications that warrant immediate medical attention.

Short Descr RMV NTR OI IMP SK TC ESP<100
Medium Descr REMOVAL ENTIRE OI IMPLT SKL MAG TC ATTCH ESP<100
Long Descr Removal, entire osseointegrated implant, skull; with magnetic transcutaneous attachment to external speech processor, within the mastoid and/or involving a bony defect 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 Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
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).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, 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)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
Date
Action
Notes
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"