Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Define 'Impacted' for 69210 Success

Question: Our oncologist sometimes decides a patient with head and neck cancer needs earwax removed to prevent diffusion of the radiation beam. Should we report this with 69210?Illinois SubscriberAnswer: If the oncologist uses instruments to remove impacted cerumen, then you may consider reporting 69210 (Removal impacted cerumen [separate procedure], 1 or both ears]).Understand 'impacted': According to CPT Assistant (July 2005), clinically impacted cerumen must meet one or more of the following:"impairs exam of clinically significant portions of the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, or middle ear condition" causes pain, itching, or other symptoms because the cerumen is hard, dry, and irritating is associated with odor, infection, or dermatitis requires magnification and "multiple instrumentations requiring physician skills" to remove."Accompanying documentation should indicate the time, effort, and equipment required to provide the service," CPT Assistant states. Instruments may include wax curettes, forceps, and suction.If the documentation doesn't support reporting 69210 (for example, [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more