Otolaryngology Coding Alert
69220 Could Work for Bilateral Cholesteatoma Removal
Question: One of our patients comes to the office every three or four months for removal of bilateral cholesteatoma. It is not far enough back in the ear to require a trip to the OR with anesthesia. We’re struggling to fine an accurate code. We considered 69145 but the definition doesn’t truly describe a cholesteatoma. What’s our best option?
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: It’s difficult to recommend a code without more information, but one possibility could be 69220 (Debridement, mastoidectomy cavity, simple [e.g., routine cleaning]). You would append modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure). Include supporting documentation to explain the procedure and why 69145 (Excision soft tissue lesion, external auditory canal) isn’t necessarily the most accurate choice. Your other choice would be to use an unlisted external auditory canal code, 63999 and equate it to 69145 or a percentage of 69145 (that percentage can be more than 100%).
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
- Neck Procedures:
Learn the Ins and Outs of Neck Dissection Coding
Here’s your quick refresher on what each procedure involves. If your otolaryngologist documents that he [...] - Terminology Check:
Brush Up on These Familiar Neck Dissection Terms
Understanding anatomy always helps you code more accurately. Because neck dissections can involve a wide [...] - ICD-10:
Understand the Different Types of Sinusitis to Code Correctly
Heads up: Watch for varying definitions among groups. Sinusitis is a common condition for otolaryngologists [...] - Anatomy Refresher:
Do You Know Where Your Sinuses Are?
Learn skull structure to remember which is which. The paranasal sinuses are located within the [...] - Reimbursement:
CMS Could Start Paying MDs Based on Quality, Not Numbers of Procedures
Changes could be implemented as soon as late 2016. If the Department of Health and [...] - Reader Question:
Remember Edits Normally Bundle 12042 and 11420
Question: We billed CPT® codes 12042 and 11420 with modifier 51. I billed the 12042 as [...] - Reader Question:
69220 Could Work for Bilateral Cholesteatoma Removal
Question: One of our patients comes to the office every three or four months for [...] - Reader Question:
Appeal for Payment if LCD Support Spirometry Diagnosis
Question:My records indicate that spirometry is a coverable CMS expense, but we cannot get Medicare [...] - Reader Question:
There's No Need to Remove PQRS Codes from Secondary Insurer's Claim
Question: If we submit G codes (PQRS codes) to a patient’s primary insurer, should we [...] - You Be the Coder:
Coding for Percutaneous Vocal Cord Injection
Question:Our physician wants to inject Radiesse through the patient’s neck into the vocal cord with [...]
