How do you bill for cerumen removal?
By John Peck
If the patient has pain in the external ear as his/her only complaint and the removal of cerumen addresses that complaint, one should bill only for removal of the cerumen, CPT code 69210.Click to see full answer. Similarly, you may ask, how do you bill for ear wax removal?For removal by lavage, the correct code is 69209 Removal impacted cerumen using irrigation/lavage, unilateral. For removal using instrumentation (e.g., forceps, curette, etc.), turn instead to 69210 Removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral.Furthermore, how do you bill bilateral procedures? Bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate CPT or HCPCS code. The procedure should be billed on one line with modifier 50 and one unit with the full charge for both procedures. Similarly, does CPT 69210 need a modifier? CPT® considers this procedure to be unilateral. CPT® states, “For bilateral procedure, report 69210 with modifier 50.” Medicare will pay the same amount for 69210 whether it is performed on one ear or two, even though the CPT® descriptor stipulates it is unilateral.How much does it cost to get your ears cleaned?On MDsave, the cost of an Earwax Removal ranges from $90 to $231. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save.
