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The CPT® Code 70134 refers to a complete radiologic examination of the internal auditory meati, which are the canals located within the temporal bone. These canals serve as pathways for cranial nerves VII (facial nerve) and VIII (vestibulocochlear nerve) as they travel to the middle and inner ear. The procedure involves the use of X-ray imaging, a technique that employs indirect ionizing radiation to create images of the internal structures of the body. X-rays are particularly effective in imaging non-uniform materials, such as human tissue, due to the varying densities and compositions of different tissues. As X-rays pass through the body, some are absorbed while others are transmitted, allowing for the creation of a two-dimensional image on a detector positioned behind the area being examined. This imaging technique enables the physician to review the resulting radiographs for any signs of abnormalities or diseases, including infections, narrowing of the canals, or the presence of tumors. The comprehensive nature of this examination is crucial for diagnosing conditions that may affect the auditory and vestibular systems.
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The complete radiologic examination of the internal auditory meati, as indicated by CPT® Code 70134, is performed for various clinical reasons. These indications may include:
The procedure for conducting a complete radiologic examination of the internal auditory meati involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:
Following the completion of the radiologic examination, the patient may be advised on any necessary post-procedure care. Typically, there are no specific restrictions or recovery protocols required after this examination, as it is a non-invasive procedure. The physician will discuss the findings with the patient during a follow-up appointment, where they will explain the results of the examination and any further diagnostic or therapeutic steps that may be needed based on the findings. It is important for the patient to report any unusual symptoms or concerns that may arise after the procedure.
| Short Descr | X-RAY EXAM OF MIDDLE EAR | Medium Descr | RADEX INTERNAL AUDITORY MEATI COMPLETE | Long Descr | Radiologic examination, internal auditory meati, complete | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1B - Standard imaging - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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