69915 Incise inner ear nerve
Also known as: vestibular nerve section, CN VIII section, vestibular neurectomy
Surgical incision or transection of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) or division of the vestibular nerve to treat vertigo.
In Plain Language
cutting the inner ear nerve
Clinical Context
Used for intractable vertigo from Meniere's disease or BPPV when hearing preservation desired. Eliminates vestibular function.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 22.20 |
| Total RVU | 22.20 |
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 22.20, this code ranks in the 85th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 69915?
CPT 69915 (Incise inner ear nerve) is a Surgery code. Surgical incision or transection of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) or division of the vestibular nerve to treat vertigo.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 69915?
The work RVU for CPT 69915 is 22.20. This code is primarily used by neurotology, skull base surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 69915 used?
Used for intractable vertigo from Meniere's disease or BPPV when hearing preservation desired. Eliminates vestibular function.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.
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.