What CPT code is 69210?
Code 69210 is defined as “removal impacted cerumen (separate procedure), one or both ears.” Use this same code only once to indicate that the procedure was performed, whether it involved removal of impacted cerumen from one or both ears.
How do you bill 69210 for both ears?
A: The coder would report CPT code 69210 (removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral) with modifier -50 (bilateral procedure) twice. Alternatively, the coder could report code 69210 twice with modifiers -LT (left side) and -RT (right side).
Can modifier 50 be used with 69210?
Reporting 69210 CPT® code 69210 captures the direct method of impacted ear wax removal using curettes, hooks, forceps, and suction. Do not append modifier 50 Bilateral procedure to this code for Medicare claims; instead, report 69210 with one unit regardless of whether one ear or two ears are attended to.
What is cerumen removal?
Cerumen removal may be attempted by irrigation of the external auditory canal, with or without the use of ceruminolytics; by ceruminolytics alone; or by manual removal using a curette, forceps, or suction.
Is 69210 a bilateral code?
For bilateral impacted cerumen removal, report code 69210 with modifier 50, Bilateral Procedure, appended.
What is the CPT code for cerumen removal?
69209
For 2016, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT ®) code 69209 Removal impacted cerumen using irrigation/lavage, unilateral was created.
What is the ICD 10 code for ear wax removal?
The removal of impacted cerumen (69209, 69210, G0268) is only medically necessary when reported with a diagnosis of impacted cerumen (ICD-10 codes H61.
Is cerumen removal covered by insurance?
Does insurance cover ear wax removal? For the most part, insurance companies and Medicare do not cover earwax removal. According to Medicare, there may be some exceptions if the patient is enrolled in a Medical Advantage plan which provides additional coverage for hearing care3.
Can 69209 and 69210 be billed together?
You may not bill CPT code 69209 with CPT code 69210, “removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral,” for the same ear. However, CPT codes 69209 and 69210 can be billed for the same encounter if impacted cerumen is removed from one ear using instrumentation and from the other ear using lavage.
How to report a bilateral cerumen removal using CPT codes?
How would you report a bilateral cerumen removal using CPT codes? A: The coder would report CPT code 69210 (removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral) with modifier -50 (bilateral procedure) twice. Alternatively, the coder could report code 69210 twice with modifiers -LT (left side) and -RT (right side).
When to code for removal of impacted cerumen ( 69210 )?
On the other hand, if the patient comes in with a complaint of a “stuffy ear” and the physician determines that the patient has a cerumen impaction, removes the wax and there is no medical necessity for a separate evaluation and management, then one would code only the 69210.
What is the correct use of CPT code 69210?
Q.What is the correct use of CPT code 69210 (removal impacted cerumen [separate procedure], one or both ears)? “the removal required physician work using at least an otoscope and instrumentation rather than simple lavage ” [emphasis added].
What is HCPCS code g0268 for cerumen removal?
CMS created HCPCS Level II code G0268 Removal of impacted cerumen (one or both ears) by physician on same date of service as audiologic function testing to allow physicians to report removal of impacted cerumen (in lieu of 69210) on the same date as a contracted or employed audiologist who performs audiologic function testing.