Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Implanted Device Does Not Equal Foreign Body
Question: What is the correct ICD-10-CM code for a retained and malpositioned T-tube? I’m using 69424-RT for the procedure. Is the T-tube considered a foreign body? Can T16.1XXA be used?
Florida Subscriber
Answer: Implantation of any device in any organ is not considered as a foreign body. Because of this, you cannot submit diagnosis T16.1XXA (Foreign body in right ear, initial encounter). Based on fact that the implant was malpositioned, the more appropriate diagnosis would be T85.9XXA (Unspecified complication of internal prosthetic device, implant and graft, initial encounter). Link this to the procedure code 69424 (Ventilating tube removal requiring general anesthesia).
CPT® considers 69424 to be a unilateral procedure; you can determine this because of the note directing you to append modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) for bilateral procedures. Verify whether the payer prefers LT (Left side) or RT (Right side) instead of 50 before submitting your claim that way.
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