Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Resort to 'Unlisted' for Abutment Removal and Replacement
Question: Our doctor is removing an abutment and replacing it with a longer one. We normally do this in the office and bill an office visit, but this time we have to do it in the hospital. Code 69717 is for removal and replacement of the whole device so is much more extensive than what we are doing. How do you suggest we code it?
New Mexico Subscriber
Answer: You’re correct in thinking that 69717 (Replacement [including removal of existing device], osseointegrated implant, temporal bone, with percutaneous attachment to external speech processor/cochlear stimulator; without mastoidectomy) is too extensive for the procedure you describe. CPT® does not include a code for removing an abutment. Therefore, you should report 69399 (Unlisted procedure, external ear).
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
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