69440 Exploration of middle ear
Also known as: middle ear exploration, mastoid antrum exploration
Surgical exploration of the middle ear (mastoid antrum and middle ear cleft) to visualize and address middle ear pathology.
In Plain Language
opening the middle ear space; looking inside the ear drum area
Clinical Context
Used to evaluate and treat middle ear disease including infection, cholesteatoma, ossicular discontinuity, or to establish middle ear ventilation. Common in pediatric and adult patients with chronic or acute otitis media.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.52 |
| Total RVU | 7.52 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 7.52, this code ranks in the 48th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 69440?
CPT 69440 (Exploration of middle ear) is a Surgery code. Surgical exploration of the middle ear (mastoid antrum and middle ear cleft) to visualize and address middle ear pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 69440?
The work RVU for CPT 69440 is 7.52. This code is primarily used by otolaryngology, neurotology, surgical otology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 69440 used?
Used to evaluate and treat middle ear disease including infection, cholesteatoma, ossicular discontinuity, or to establish middle ear ventilation. Common in pediatric and adult patients with chronic or acute 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.