2025 CPT code 69955
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Auditory System Feed
Total facial nerve decompression and/or repair (may include graft).
Modifiers may be applicable to 69955.For example, modifier "-50" would be used for a bilateral procedure, "-22" for increased procedural services, etc. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for 69955 must be established by demonstrating that the procedure is necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a facial nerve disorder causing functional impairment or pain. Documentation should clearly link the surgical procedure to the patient's symptoms and expected improvement.
The surgeon is responsible for prepping and anesthetizing the patient, performing the surgical procedure (including incision, bone removal, nerve repair/decompression/grafting), and post-operative care.
In simple words: This surgery fixes problems with the facial nerve. The surgeon makes a cut near the ear and removes a piece of skull to reach the nerve. They might repair the nerve, take pressure off it, or replace a damaged part with a graft.Sometimes, they remove a growth on the nerve. Finally, they put the skull bone back and close the cut.
This procedure involves the repair or decompression of the facial nerve, possibly including a nerve graft.The surgeon makes an incision anterior to the ear, exposing and dividing the temporalis muscle. A section of the skull is removed to expose the dura mater, which is then elevated. The facial nerve is then exposed by drilling, and depending on the issue, it is repaired with sutures, grafted, decompressed, or a tumor is removed. A transmastoid approach may be used for extensive compression. A muscle graft is placed, the bone is replaced, and the incision is sutured and dressed.
Example 1: A patient presents with facial paralysis due to a tumor compressing the facial nerve. Code 69955 is used for the surgical removal of the tumor and decompression of the nerve., A patient suffers a traumatic injury resulting in a severed facial nerve. Code 69955 is used for the surgical repair of the nerve, possibly including a nerve graft., A patient with Bell's Palsy experiences persistent facial weakness despite conservative treatment.Code 69955 is used for the surgical decompression of the facial nerve to alleviate pressure and improve function.
Documentation should include the operative report detailing the surgical approach, the specific procedure performed (repair, decompression, graft), the location and nature of any pathology, and any intraoperative complications. Pre- and post-operative diagnoses, imaging studies, and medical necessity justification should also be included.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center