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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Listen Closely For Advice On Lancing An Ear Drum

Published on Tue Feb 21, 2012

Question: One of our ER physicians performed this on an infant with acute suppurative OM. He used a 25-gauge sterile needle and aspiration. I do not think that I can code this as there was no incision and it was not done under a microscope? Any other input appreciated. Thanks.Ohio SubscriberAnswer: In this case the incision was done with the needle. Report code 69420 (Myringotomy including aspiration and/or eustachian tube inflation) to describe the service performed.
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