Clear the Way for Accurate Cerumen Removal Coding - AAPC However, in this case study, the provider documented cerumen impaction in the left ear, which narrows your options for coding the removal to 69209 (Removal impacted cerumen using irrigation lavage, unilateral) or 69210 (Removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral)
Cerumen Removal Coding Depends on Impaction, Method - AAPC Reporting 69210 Report 69210 Removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral if the physician or other qualified healthcare professional uses instrumentation to remove impacted cerumen from the patient’s ear (s) CPT® code 69210 captures the direct method of impacted ear wax removal using curettes, hooks, forceps, and suction
Otolaryngology Coding Alert - AAPC This guide provides definitive coding guidelines for cerumen removal procedures, helping medical professionals ensure accurate and efficient coding
Bank on This Definitive Coders Guide to Cerumen Removal - AAPC In order to report code 69210 (Removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral), the provider must be just as in tune with this set of criteria as the coder That means that the provider should make sure to properly document impacted versus non-impacted cerumen in the patient’s chart
Cut the Modifier 52 Modifier 53 Confusion : Reader Questions - AAPC Question: How do we know if an -unsuccessful- procedure is reduced or discontinued? For instance, the ENT attempted cerumen removal (69210), but the child screamed and cried so much that the mother asked the physician to stop The visit was only for scheduled routine cerumen removal because the boy's hearing aids cause impacted cerumen Is modifier 52 or 53 correct in this case? Montana
This Payer Outlines How to Collect for New Cerumen Removal Code . . . - AAPC Therefore, irrigating both ears to remove impacted cerumen would appear this way on your claim: 69209-50 linked to ICD-10 code H61 23 (Impacted cerumen, bilateral) Make Sure Healthcare Professional Is Available If one of your clinical staff members irrigates the patient’s ear to remove impacted cerumen, ensure that he isn’t in the office solo
Ease Reimbursement Frustrations with Correct Coding : Cerumen . . . - AAPC Coding for cerumen removal involves varying strategies depending on the scenario Removing earwax (cerumen) is among the smallest-value services that otolaryngologists provide, yet because it is done frequently and can be time consuming, practices are losing out financially
See Why You Don’t Always Bill 69210 With -50 : You Be the Coder - AAPC If a cerumen impaction is removed bilaterally and billed as 69210-50, Medicare Part B will not pay the claim — Medicare expects this service to be coded 69210 with no modifier, whether impacted cerumen is removed from one ear or both ears ” Cobuzzi notes