69970 Remove inner ear lesion
Also known as: labyrinthine lesion removal, inner ear tumor removal, labyrinth pathology excision
Surgical removal of inner ear lesion (tumor, cholesteatoma, or other pathology) from the labyrinth via translabyrinthine or other approach.
In Plain Language
removing a tumor or problem from the inner ear
Clinical Context
Used for vestibular schwannoma, hemangioma, cholesteatoma of labyrinth, or labyrinthine involvement of malignancy.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 31.60 |
| Total RVU | 31.60 |
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 31.60, this code ranks in the 94th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 69970?
CPT 69970 (Remove inner ear lesion) is a Surgery code. Surgical removal of inner ear lesion (tumor, cholesteatoma, or other pathology) from the labyrinth via translabyrinthine or other approach.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 69970?
The work RVU for CPT 69970 is 31.60. This code is primarily used by neurotology, skull base surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 69970 used?
Used for vestibular schwannoma, hemangioma, cholesteatoma of labyrinth, or labyrinthine involvement of malignancy.
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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.