69720 Facial nerve release Medicare reimbursement rates in Michigan

An otolaryngologist, often an otologist or neurotologist, uses this code when surgically releasing the intratemporal facial nerve lateral to the geniculate ganglion. The surgeon removes constricting bone around the nerve, typically through a temporal-bone approach, to relieve compression in selected cases of facial nerve dysfunction. The operative report should identify the treated nerve segment and describe the decompression performed.

Select this code when the release is limited to the segment lateral to the geniculate ganglion; the code for release that includes the ganglion describes a different extent. The 90-day global period includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. When multiple procedures occur in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documentation of medical necessity; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation. Team surgery is not permitted.