69501 Mastoidectomy
Also known as: simple mastoidectomy, cortical mastoidectomy, mastoid surgery
Mastoidectomy is the surgical removal of mastoid air cells to treat mastoid disease, allowing drainage of infected material and eliminating the primary site of infection.
In Plain Language
mastoid bone surgery; removing infected mastoid bone
Clinical Context
Used to treat acute mastoiditis, chronic mastoiditis, mastoid osteitis, or coalescent mastoiditis when medical management fails. Indicated in pediatric and adult patients with persistent ear infection despite antibiotics.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.98 |
| Total RVU | 8.98 |
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 8.98, this code ranks in the 55th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 69501?
CPT 69501 (Mastoidectomy) is a Surgery code. Mastoidectomy is the surgical removal of mastoid air cells to treat mastoid disease, allowing drainage of infected material and eliminating the primary site of infection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 69501?
The work RVU for CPT 69501 is 8.98. This code is primarily used by otolaryngology, surgical otology, neurotology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 69501 used?
Used to treat acute mastoiditis, chronic mastoiditis, mastoid osteitis, or coalescent mastoiditis when medical management fails. Indicated in pediatric and adult patients with persistent ear infection despite antibiotics.
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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.