Summary & Overview
CPT 69730: Replacement of Bone-Anchored Skull Hearing Implant
CPT code 69730 covers replacement of a bone-anchored skull implant that transcutaneously transmits sound via a magnetically coupled speech processor and requires removal of 100 square millimeters or more of bone surface. This code captures a specialized otologic surgical procedure used in hearing rehabilitation for patients who receive bone-conduction implants placed in cranial bones other than the mastoid. Nationally, accurate coding of this procedure matters for proper classification of surgical complexity, device management, and aggregated utilization metrics for implantable hearing devices.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context about the device type and surgical setting, an overview of common modifiers associated with the service, and summary-level information useful for benchmarking and billing workflow alignment. The publication also outlines typical sites of service and the primary clinical purpose of the implant replacement.
This resource is intended to inform coding and revenue cycle stakeholders, clinical program managers, and health policy analysts about the clinical scope and billing context of CPT code 69730. Data not available in the input: specific payer coverage policies, associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnosis mappings, detailed related codes, and service-line financial benchmarks.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 69730 describes the replacement of a bone-anchored implant in the skull that converts sound energy for reception by the inner ear. The procedure involves removing 100 square millimeters or more of bone surface and placing an implant in a bone other than the mastoid. The implant type described is magnetically coupled to a speech processor transcutaneously (through closed skin).
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Service type: Surgical implant replacement of a bone-anchored hearing device (skull/bone implant)
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital operating room
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 52-year-old patient with conductive hearing loss and prior bone-anchored hearing implant presents for replacement of a magnet-coupled transcutaneous bone-anchored implant located in the skull (non-mastoid bone). The patient reports decreased performance of the implanted device, pain at the implant interface, and recurrent skin irritation. Preoperative evaluation includes audiometric testing, device interrogation, CT scan of the skull to assess implant position and bone integrity, and medical clearance. In the operating room under general anesthesia, the surgeon explants the failed implant and removes at least 100 square millimeters of skull bone surface as required, then places a replacement magnetically coupled transcutaneous implant. Postoperative workflow includes device activation planning, wound checks, audiology fitting of the external speech processor, and routine follow-up for wound healing and audiologic performance.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier selected / standard reporting | Used when no additional modifier applies and the procedure is reported as primary. |
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when the replacement required significantly greater work or complexity than typical for . |