CPT code 69433: Ear tube placement, local or topical anesthesia2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Galveston, TX
Report this service when a clinician creates an eardrum opening and places a ventilating tube using local or topical anesthesia.
In Galveston, TX, Medicare pays $200.60 for 69433 in the office and $118.35 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 69433 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 69433 covers
An otolaryngologist typically performs this procedure in an office or other setting using local or topical anesthesia. The clinician makes an opening in the tympanic membrane and inserts a ventilating tube to help maintain middle-ear ventilation, commonly for persistent middle-ear fluid or recurrent ear infections. The tube placement is part of the service; an incision without tube insertion is a different service.
Report the code for each treated ear and document the clinical indication, side, anesthetic approach, eardrum opening, and tube placement. CMS assigns a 10-day global period, which includes related postoperative visits during that period. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are reduced under the standard multiple-procedure rule. For bilateral performance, modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery for this code; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How Galveston, TX compares for 69433
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 69433 runs from $178.66 in Arkansas to $268.55 in San Benito County, CA. Galveston, TX pays $200.60. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Galveston, TX · this page$200.60
- Austin, TX · Texas$210.08+$9.48
- Beaumont, TX · Texas$188.93−$11.67
- Brazoria, TX · Texas$199.98−$0.62
- Dallas, TX · Texas$201.30+$0.70
- Fort Worth, TX · Texas$199.94−$0.66
- Houston, TX · Texas$204.45+$3.85
Other areas in Texas first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Rest of TexasTexas | $194.37 | $115.76 |
| Los Angeles, CACalifornia | $228.55 | $130.56 |
| Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia | $231.65 | $134.07 |
| Miami, FLFlorida | $219.05 | $132.82 |
| Chicago, ILIllinois | $212.57 | $129.32 |
| Manhattan, NYNew York | $233.17 | $136.91 |
| AlaskaAlaska | $234.19 | $145.97 |
| AlabamaAlabama | $181.33 | $108.85 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $178.66 | $107.51 |
| ArizonaArizona | $196.93 | $116.66 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $214.49 | $123.70 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $213.91 | $123.12 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $248.06 | $138.89 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $227.46 | $129.55 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $216.15 | $125.36 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $224.51 | $128.18 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $223.68 | $127.68 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $229.01 | $129.94 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $262.63 | $145.83 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $262.39 | $145.59 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $268.55 | $149.11 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $267.58 | $148.13 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $220.08 | $125.73 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $231.25 | $130.61 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $224.54 | $127.95 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $233.59 | $131.87 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $247.72 | $138.54 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $213.88 | $123.09 |
| ColoradoColorado | $210.72 | $122.59 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $216.01 | $126.80 |
| DelawareDelaware | $200.23 | $118.38 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $209.95 | $126.04 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $199.59 | $120.40 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $206.28 | $122.12 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $188.17 | $114.28 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $219.22 | $125.04 |
| IowaIowa | $185.92 | $110.12 |
| IdahoIdaho | $187.17 | $110.96 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $197.98 | $121.77 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $193.81 | $118.18 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $212.08 | $127.01 |
| IndianaIndiana | $188.27 | $111.48 |
| KansasKansas | $185.08 | $110.20 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $185.80 | $112.16 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $194.85 | $116.90 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $185.52 | $112.21 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $231.73 | $132.82 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $209.45 | $122.23 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $215.42 | $126.54 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $204.08 | $120.25 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $188.21 | $112.01 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $198.52 | $116.43 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $202.17 | $122.24 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $190.76 | $115.13 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $201.66 | $116.42 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $193.45 | $115.66 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $195.50 | $116.64 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $182.31 | $110.91 |
| MississippiMississippi | $180.52 | $109.20 |
| MontanaMontana | $202.40 | $119.56 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $190.21 | $112.93 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $198.24 | $115.41 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $186.94 | $110.48 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $207.45 | $121.22 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $229.19 | $133.10 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $218.41 | $127.95 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $191.84 | $115.88 |
| NevadaNevada | $201.38 | $118.47 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $238.96 | $140.47 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $219.89 | $129.19 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $235.04 | $137.13 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $193.11 | $114.42 |
| OhioOhio | $189.91 | $114.28 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $185.41 | $111.44 |
| Portland, OROregon | $217.45 | $125.42 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $199.75 | $117.25 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $210.60 | $124.37 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $190.19 | $114.15 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $203.89 | $120.15 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $207.38 | $121.82 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $190.39 | $113.85 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $197.75 | $114.92 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $186.03 | $110.74 |
| UtahUtah | $193.04 | $115.17 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $197.89 | $116.47 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $203.89 | $120.15 |
| VermontVermont | $197.50 | $115.50 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $209.04 | $121.82 |
| King County, WAWashington | $236.44 | $134.80 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $191.50 | $112.14 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $186.53 | $114.55 |
| WyomingWyoming | $200.59 | $117.75 |
69433 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$178.66
$241.22
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $234.19 | 1 |
| AL | $181.33 | 1 |
| AR | $178.66 | 1 |
| AZ | $196.93 | 1 |
| CA | $213.88–$268.55 | 29 |
| CO | $210.72 | 1 |
| CT | $216.01 | 1 |
| DC | $231.65 | 1 |
| DE | $200.23 | 1 |
| FL | $199.59–$219.05 | 3 |
| GA | $188.17–$206.28 | 2 |
| GU | $219.22 | 1 |
| HI | $219.22 | 1 |
| IA | $185.92 | 1 |
| ID | $187.17 | 1 |
| IL | $193.81–$212.57 | 4 |
| IN | $188.27 | 1 |
| KS | $185.08 | 1 |
| KY | $185.80 | 1 |
| LA | $185.52–$194.85 | 2 |
| MA | $209.45–$231.73 | 2 |
| MD | $204.08–$231.65 | 3 |
| ME | $188.21–$198.52 | 2 |
| MI | $190.76–$202.17 | 2 |
| MN | $201.66 | 1 |
| MO | $182.31–$195.50 | 3 |
| MS | $180.52 | 1 |
| MT | $202.40 | 1 |
| NC | $190.21 | 1 |
| ND | $198.24 | 1 |
| NE | $186.94 | 1 |
| NH | $207.45 | 1 |
| NJ | $218.41–$229.19 | 2 |
| NM | $191.84 | 1 |
| NV | $201.38 | 1 |
| NY | $193.11–$238.96 | 5 |
| OH | $189.91 | 1 |
| OK | $185.41 | 1 |
| OR | $199.75–$217.45 | 2 |
| PA | $190.19–$210.60 | 2 |
| PR | $203.89 | 1 |
| RI | $207.38 | 1 |
| SC | $190.39 | 1 |
| SD | $197.75 | 1 |
| TN | $186.03 | 1 |
| TX | $188.93–$210.08 | 8 |
| UT | $193.04 | 1 |
| VA | $197.89–$231.65 | 2 |
| VI | $203.89 | 1 |
| VT | $197.50 | 1 |
| WA | $209.04–$236.44 | 2 |
| WI | $191.50 | 1 |
| WV | $186.53 | 1 |
| WY | $200.59 | 1 |
How the 69433 rate is calculated
Each of 69433’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 69433
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.53
1.53 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense4.32
4.32 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.21
0.21 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
6.0600
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$202.41
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Galveston, TX inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
7,605
- Code
- 69433
- Physician work
- 1.53
- Practice expense
- 4.32
- Malpractice
- 0.21
GPCI2026.csv
101
- Locality
- Galveston, TX
- Physician work
- 1.008
- Practice expense
- 0.993
- Malpractice
- 0.828
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.53 | × 1.008 | 1.5422 |
| Practice expense | 4.32 | × 0.993 | 4.2898 |
| Malpractice | 0.21 | × 0.828 | 0.1739 |
| Total RVUs | 6.0059 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Galveston, TX$200.60
Office: (1.53 × 1.008 + 4.32 × 0.993 + 0.21 × 0.828) × $33.4009 = $200.60
Facility: (1.53 × 1.008 + 1.84 × 0.993 + 0.21 × 0.828) × $33.4009 = $118.35
Payment rules and modifiers for 69433
69433 has a 10-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.
CMS payment indicators · 69433
Ear tube placement, local or topical anesthesia
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 010 | Minor procedure: the day of the procedure plus 10 days after are included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 1 | Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
| Split (54/55/56) | 0.10/0.80/0.10 | Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care. |
Global surgery period · 69433
Ear tube placement, local or topical anesthesia
10-day global period ends
Oct 11, 2026
Covers Oct 1, 2026 through Oct 11, 2026 (11 days).
Visit on Oct 31, 2026
After the global period ends: visits and procedures are billed normally.
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 50 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
69433 without 50 · national office
$202.41
Ear tube placement, local or topical anesthesia
69433-50 · Bilateral: 150%
$303.62
Both sides on one line with modifier 50 are paid at 150% of the fee schedule amount (subject to multiple-procedure rules with other procedures).
How 69433 has changed in Galveston, TX
69433 · Office / nonfacility
$200.60
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $5.55 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $195.05 to $200.60 (2.8%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$195.05changed to$200.60
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.57 changed to 1.53
- Practice expense RVU 4.25 changed to 4.32
- Malpractice RVU 0.22 changed to 0.21
- Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.008
- Practice expense GPCI 1.000 changed to 0.993
- Malpractice GPCI 0.855 changed to 0.828
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$203.01changed to$195.05
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 4.31 changed to 4.25
- Malpractice RVU 0.23 changed to 0.22
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$199.69changed to$203.01
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$207.96changed to$199.69
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 4.32 changed to 4.31
- Malpractice RVU 0.22 changed to 0.23
- Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.014
- Practice expense GPCI 1.013 changed to 1.000
- Malpractice GPCI 0.703 changed to 0.855
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$211.16changed to$207.96
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 4.25 changed to 4.32
- Work GPCI 1.032 changed to 1.023
- Practice expense GPCI 1.026 changed to 1.013
- Malpractice GPCI 0.550 changed to 0.703
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$209.14changed to$211.16
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 4.15 changed to 4.25
- Malpractice RVU 0.21 changed to 0.22
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$204.50changed to$209.14
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 3.83 changed to 4.15
- Malpractice RVU 0.22 changed to 0.21
- Work GPCI 1.026 changed to 1.032
- Practice expense GPCI 1.019 changed to 1.026
- Malpractice GPCI 0.695 changed to 0.550
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$205.67changed to$204.50
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 3.87 changed to 3.83
- Malpractice RVU 0.23 changed to 0.22
- Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.026
- Practice expense GPCI 1.011 changed to 1.019
- Malpractice GPCI 0.839 changed to 0.695
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$206.18changed to$205.67
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 3.89 changed to 3.87
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$207.97changed to$206.18
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 3.94 changed to 3.89
- Practice expense GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.011
- Malpractice GPCI 0.897 changed to 0.839
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$210.59changed to$207.97
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 4.01 changed to 3.94
- Work GPCI 1.019 changed to 1.020
- Practice expense GPCI 1.013 changed to 1.012
- Malpractice GPCI 0.955 changed to 0.897
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$210.25changed to$210.59
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 3.98 changed to 4.01
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$209.21changed to$210.25
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$209.77changed to$209.21
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 4.04 changed to 3.98
- Malpractice RVU 0.21 changed to 0.23
- Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.019
- Practice expense GPCI 1.005 changed to 1.013
- Malpractice GPCI 0.970 changed to 0.955
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$213.76changed to$209.77
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 4.50 changed to 4.04
- Malpractice RVU 0.22 changed to 0.21
- Work GPCI 1.009 changed to 1.014
- Practice expense GPCI 0.996 changed to 1.005
- Malpractice GPCI 0.985 changed to 0.970
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $213.76
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $200.60 | $118.35 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $200.60 | $118.35 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $200.60 | $118.35 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $200.60 | $118.35 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $195.05 | $130.04 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $195.05 | $130.04 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $195.05 | $130.04 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $195.05 | $130.04 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $203.01 | $133.44 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $203.01 | $133.44 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $203.01 | $133.44 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $203.01 | $133.44 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $199.69 | $131.26 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $207.96 | $134.85 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $207.96 | $134.85 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $207.96 | $134.85 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $207.96 | $134.85 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $211.16 | $134.82 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $211.16 | $134.82 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $211.16 | $134.82 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $211.16 | $134.82 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $209.14 | $133.24 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $209.14 | $133.24 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $209.14 | $133.24 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $209.14 | $133.24 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $204.50 | $134.63 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $204.50 | $134.63 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $204.50 | $134.63 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $204.50 | $134.63 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $205.67 | $135.72 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $205.67 | $135.72 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $205.67 | $135.72 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $205.67 | $135.72 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $206.18 | $135.20 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $206.18 | $135.20 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $206.18 | $135.20 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $206.18 | $135.20 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $207.97 | $136.79 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $207.97 | $136.79 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $207.97 | $136.79 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $207.97 | $136.79 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $210.59 | $138.77 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $210.59 | $138.77 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $210.59 | $138.77 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $210.59 | $138.77 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $210.25 | $138.55 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $210.25 | $138.55 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $209.21 | $137.86 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $209.21 | $137.86 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $209.77 | $138.13 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $209.77 | $138.13 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $209.77 | $138.13 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $209.77 | $138.13 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $213.76 | $137.85 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $213.76 | $137.85 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $213.76 | $137.85 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $213.76 | $137.85 | RVU13AR |
Where the Galveston, TX rate applies
Galveston, TX is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 16 cities and communities in Texas. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Galveston
- Bacliff
- Bayou Vista
- Bolivar Peninsula
- Clear Lake Shores
- Dickinson
- 69433 in Friendswood · multiple payment areas
- Hitchcock
69433 billing questions
When should 69433 be chosen instead of 69420?
Use 69433 when a ventilating tube is placed through the eardrum opening under local or topical anesthesia. Code 69420 describes an incision without tube placement.
How does 69433 differ from 69436?
Both involve eardrum opening and tube placement. The distinction is the anesthetic approach: 69433 is for local or topical anesthesia, while 69436 is for general anesthesia.
Can both ears be reported?
Yes. For bilateral performance, report modifier 50; CMS pays the bilateral procedure at 150%.
Are related postoperative visits separately reported?
Related postoperative visits during the 10-day global period are included in the procedure.
Can an assistant or co-surgeon be reported?
Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery for 69433. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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