Summary & Overview
CPT 69660: Stapedectomy or Stapedotomy, Middle Ear Surgery
CPT code 69660 denotes stapedectomy or stapedotomy procedures that restore ossicular continuity and improve hearing by removing or creating an opening in the stapes bone. This otologic surgical code is clinically significant because it represents definitive operative management for conductive hearing loss due to stapes fixation, a procedure performed in operating rooms or ambulatory surgical centers nationwide. Payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will learn what the code represents, the typical clinical setting and service type, and the national relevance of stapedectomy/stapedotomy as a treatment option for selected conductive hearing loss. The publication provides context for billing and coding considerations, common modifiers in use (listed separately), and benchmarks where available. It also summarizes policy and coverage considerations payer-by-payer and highlights clinical context that informs appropriate use of the code. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 69660 describes a stapedectomy or stapedotomy, a surgical procedure in which the provider removes the stapes bone of the middle ear or creates an opening in that bone to reestablish ossicular continuity and improve hearing. The procedure addresses conductive hearing loss caused by stapes fixation or related ossicular chain dysfunction.
Service Type: Middle ear surgery / otologic procedure
Typical Site of Service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center (OR/ASC)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 45–65-year-old adult with progressive conductive hearing loss, tinnitus, and normal tympanic membrane appearance on otoscopy, often with an intact external ear canal. Audiometry demonstrates an air-bone gap consistent with stapedial fixation (otosclerosis). The clinical workflow includes: preoperative evaluation with diagnostic audiometry and tympanometry, CT temporal bone if anatomy or revision surgery is suspected, informed consent discussing risks (hearing loss, vertigo, taste disturbance), and scheduling for stapedectomy or stapedotomy under general or monitored anesthesia care. Intraoperative steps include microscopic ear exposure, removal or fenestration of the stapes (69660), placement of a prosthesis to reestablish ossicular continuity, intraoperative audiometric monitoring or irrigation as indicated, and standard postoperative recovery with activity restrictions and audiometric follow-up to document hearing improvement. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room. The service type is outpatient otologic surgical procedure (stapedectomy/stapedotomy) performed by otolaryngology–head and neck surgeons.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
51 | Multiple procedures | When other unrelated CPT procedures are reported on the same day in addition to |