Summary & Overview
CPT 69552: Aural Glomus Tumor Excision via Mastoid Approach
CPT code 69552 designates surgical excision of an aural glomus tumor via a mastoid cavity approach. This otologic surgical code captures procedures intended to remove a vascular tumor of the middle ear region and to relieve pain or other local symptoms. Nationally, accurate coding of otologic tumor excisions is important for clinical documentation, care coordination, and correct claims adjudication because these surgeries often involve specialized operative settings and multidisciplinary care.
Key payers referenced include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for the procedure, the typical site of service, and operational considerations tied to coding and billing. The publication provides benchmarks and policy-relevant details where available, clarifies common modifiers and related claim considerations, and outlines comparative coverage elements across major payers.
This summary is intended for clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a concise reference for CPT code 69552, its clinical purpose, and the payer landscape relevant to surgical management of aural glomus tumors. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 69552 describes the surgical removal of an aural glomus tumor using a mastoid cavity approach. The procedure is performed to relieve pain and other symptoms caused by the tumor.
Service type: Surgical excision / otologic surgery
Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center (mastoid/otologic surgical suite)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 52-year-old adult presents with months of progressive unilateral ear pain, pulsatile tinnitus, and conductive hearing loss. Otoscopic exam and audiometry suggest a retrotympanic vascular mass. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the temporal bone identifies a suspected aural (glomus) tumor centered near the middle ear and mastoid with extension into the mastoid cavity. After multidisciplinary review, the otologic surgeon elects to remove the tumor using a transmastoid approach to achieve tumor resection and relieve pain.
Preoperative workflow includes history and physical, baseline audiogram, imaging review (CT temporal bone and contrast MRI), anesthesia evaluation, and informed consent documenting indication (pain and mass resection). The procedure is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia with facial nerve monitoring. Typical intraoperative steps include cortical mastoidectomy to access the mastoid cavity, identification and control of vascular tumor feeders, careful dissection of the glomus tumor from middle-ear structures, hemostasis, possible canal wall modification, and closure with placement of packing or grafting as needed. Postoperative workflow includes recovery in PACU, pain control, short inpatient observation or same-day discharge depending on extent, postoperative audiometry as indicated, and scheduled follow-up for wound check and imaging surveillance.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services |