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The procedure described by CPT® Code 69970 involves the surgical removal of a tumor located in the temporal bone, which is a critical structure in the skull. The temporal bone is divided into three distinct parts: the squamous, tympanic, and petrous portions. Each of these sections plays a vital role in the anatomy of the ear and surrounding structures. The squamous portion encompasses a small segment of the bony external ear canal, the zygomatic process, and the mandibular fossa, while also providing protection to the temporal lobe and adjacent parietal and occipital bones. The tympanic portion primarily forms the bony ear canal and contributes to the posterior wall of the mandibular fossa. The petrous portion houses the otic capsule and the internal auditory canal, which are essential for hearing and balance. Tumors in this area, whether benign or malignant, are uncommon and may require surgical intervention depending on their location and size. The surgical approach to tumor removal can vary, with options including lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR), subtotal temporal bone resection (STBR), and total temporal bone resection, each tailored to the specific characteristics of the tumor and its involvement with surrounding structures. The procedure necessitates careful exposure of the affected areas of the temporal bone, followed by resection of the bone and any adjacent structures that may be involved with the tumor.
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The procedure coded as CPT® 69970 is indicated for the surgical removal of tumors located in the temporal bone. These tumors can be either benign or malignant and may present with various symptoms depending on their size and location. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The surgical procedure for the removal of a tumor from the temporal bone involves several critical steps, which may vary based on the tumor's location and extent. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Following the procedure, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area until they are stable. Post-operative care may include pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may experience temporary hearing loss or other auditory changes, which should be discussed with the healthcare provider. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess recovery and to monitor for any recurrence of the tumor. Rehabilitation services, such as audiology or physical therapy, may be recommended based on the extent of the surgery and the patient's individual needs.
| Short Descr | REMOVE INNER EAR LESION | Medium Descr | REMOVAL TUMOR TEMPORAL BONE | Long Descr | Removal of tumor, temporal bone | 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) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | 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 | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 142 - Partial excision bone |
| 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). | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | 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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