Summary & Overview
CPT 69727: Removal of Bone-Anchored Auditory Implant
CPT code 69727 designates surgical removal of a bone-anchored auditory implant that transmits sound transcutaneously via a magnetically coupled external speech processor. This code applies when the implant is located in the mastoid or when a small bony defect (under 100 mm²) is involved. Nationally, the code is relevant to otologic surgeons, hospital outpatient departments, and ambulatory surgery centers managing device explantations and revisions.
Key payers commonly engaged for this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines clinical context for explantation, typical sites of care, and payer coverage considerations. Readers will find benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement (where available), documentation and coding guidance tied to the clinical scenario, and an overview of common modifiers used with surgical procedure claims. When specific payer policy details are not provided in the input, the text indicates that data are not available.
This summary equips revenue cycle managers, coding professionals, and clinical administrators with a concise reference to CPT code 69727, clarifying when the code applies and what operational settings and clinical presentations typically accompany its use.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 69727 describes removal of a bone-anchored implant from the skull that converts sound energy for reception by the inner ear. The procedure applies to implants placed in the mastoid (the bone behind the ear) and to cases involving a bony defect with a surface area of less than 100 square millimeters. The implant type is magnetically coupled to an external speech processor and transmits across closed skin (transcutaneous coupling).
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Service type: Surgical removal of a bone-anchored auditory implant (device explantation)
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgery center, with the surgical field centered on the mastoid region of the temporal bone
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult or pediatric recipient of a bone‑anchored hearing implant (magnetically coupled, transcutaneous) who presents for removal of the implanted skull/bone component 69727 due to device failure, infection, extrusion, pain, planned device revision, or MRI incompatibility. The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation (audiology assessment, imaging such as CT temporal bone to evaluate mastoid and bony defect size), informed consent, perioperative antibiotics as indicated, and either outpatient or short inpatient admission to the operating room. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon exposes the implant site in the mastoid region, removes the bone‑anchored magnetized implant and any associated abutment or hardware, and inspects the bony defect (less than 100 sq mm as per the code descriptor). Hemostasis is achieved, wound closed primarily, and postoperative instructions include wound care, activity restrictions, and follow‑up for wound check and planning for possible reimplantation or alternative hearing rehabilitation. Typical sites of service are ambulatory surgery centers or hospital outpatient departments; inpatient stay is uncommon but may occur for complications or comorbidities. Common clinical team members include an otolaryngologist (implant surgeon), audiologist, anesthesia provider, and perioperative nursing staff.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Standard primary procedure |