Summary & Overview
CPT 70134: Radiography of Internal Auditory Canals, Diagnostic
CPT code 70134 denotes plain X-ray imaging of the internal auditory canals used to evaluate structural abnormalities of the hearing apparatus. Nationally, this code represents a focused diagnostic radiology service that supports otologic and neurotologic evaluation, preoperative planning, and follow-up of hearing-related conditions. Its use matters for accurate clinical diagnosis and for consistent coding of radiographic head and ear imaging.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers associated with radiology services (listed separately), and what is available about payer coverage patterns. The publication provides benchmarks and policy-relevant details where available and highlights areas where data are not supplied in the input. This brief equips clinicians, billing staff, and policy stakeholders with a concise reference to understand the service classification, expected care settings, and where to look for payer-specific rules and authorization requirements.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 70134 describes plain radiographic imaging of the internal auditory canals. This service is a diagnostic X-ray procedure focused on visualizing the structures of the auditory apparatus to identify abnormalities that may affect hearing.
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Service type: Diagnostic plain radiography of the internal auditory canals
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory imaging centers or hospital radiology departments
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient in their mid-40s presents to the otolaryngology clinic with progressive unilateral hearing loss and intermittent tinnitus after a prior head injury. The otolaryngologist performs a focused history and physical exam including otoscopy and bedside audiometry. Given asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss and concern for anatomic abnormality of the internal auditory canal (IAC) or vestibulocochlear apparatus, the provider orders plain radiographs of the internal auditory canals to evaluate for osseous abnormalities, congenital malformations, or post‑traumatic changes. The procedure is performed in a radiology suite or outpatient imaging center by a radiologic technologist under supervision of the interpreting physician. Images are acquired using dedicated skull base projections that visualize the petrous temporal bone and internal auditory canals. The interpreting physician (otolaryngologist or diagnostic radiologist) reviews images, documents findings in the medical record, and communicates results to the referring clinician for integration into the diagnostic and treatment plan (for example, further cross‑sectional imaging such as CT temporal bone or MRI internal auditory canals if indicated). Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology department, hospital radiology suite, or freestanding imaging center. This procedure is commonly ordered for patients with asymmetric hearing loss, chronic otologic symptoms, suspected fracture of the temporal bone, or congenital hearing abnormalities.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component |