69421 Incision of eardrum
Also known as: myringotomy with tubes, tympanostomy tubes
Incision of tympanum with ventilation tube insertion for management of chronic effusion or infection.
In Plain Language
putting tube through eardrum; ventilation tube placement
Clinical Context
Used for chronic otitis media with effusion. Common indications include recurrent or chronic middle ear effusion, conductive hearing loss, or chronic otitis media.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.74 |
| Total RVU | 1.74 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.74, this code ranks in the 11th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 69421?
CPT 69421 (Incision of eardrum) is a Surgery code. Incision of tympanum with ventilation tube insertion for management of chronic effusion or infection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 69421?
The work RVU for CPT 69421 is 1.74. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 69421 used?
Used for chronic otitis media with effusion. Common indications include recurrent or chronic middle ear effusion, conductive hearing loss, or chronic otitis media.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.