Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Submit Only 69610, Not 69610 Plus 69424
Question: Our physician would like to bill an ear tube removal with ear patch together. Are we allowed to do this?
Washington Subscriber
Answer: The codes in question for this scenario are 69610 (Tympanic membrane repair, with or without site preparation of perforation for closure, with or without patch) and 69424 (Ventilating tube removal requiring general anesthesia).
The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) bundles 69424 with 69610 based on the rationale that the physician must remove the tubes prior to repairing the membrane. Therefore, tube removal is a standard component of membrane repair.
You should report only 69610. You may not report tube removal 69424 – whether unilateral or bilateral – with bilateral tympanic membrane repair.
Related Articles
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
- Procedure Focus:
Follow These 4 Tactics to Gain Additional Dollars for Concha Bullosa Work
Yes, you can get paid for 31240 with other procedures. If you’re getting denials for [...] - Consultation Coding:
Know How to Handle Claims When a Consultation Is In Question
Don’t automatically dismiss 99241-99245 for every patient. Although CMS stopped accepting claims for office consultation [...] - ICD-10:
Enlargement of Lymph Nodes Will Have an Easy Code Switch for ICD-10
Remember to look for – and code – additional conditions. If you come across notes [...] - Reader Question:
Here's Your Best Code Choice for Dix-Hallpike Testing
Question: In the past, our Medicare contractor paid for the Dix-Hallpike diagnostic testing our audiologists performed, [...] - Reader Question:
Turn to 040.1 for Rhinoscleroma Diagnosis
Question: My physician diagnosed a patient with rhinoscleroma. What is the correct diagnosis code and [...] - Reader Question:
Answer the Sequential Question to Differentiate 95024 From 95027
Question: When should you bill 95027 instead of 95024? I don’t have a complete understanding of [...] - Reader Question:
Submit Only 69610, Not 69610 Plus 69424
Question: Our physician would like to bill an ear tube removal with ear patch together. Are [...] - Reader Question:
Complete Paperwork to Document Non-Par Patient Care
Question: A patient called our office to schedule an appointment, knowing that we don’t participate with [...] - Reader Question:
Verify Incision Before Submitting 69420
Question: Our surgeon documented a procedure as follows: PROCEDURE (aspiration of eardrum): The right ear was [...] - You Be the Coder:
Know the Parameters for Reporting Counseling With Scope
Question: If a doctor bills a 99204 based on time (45 minute visit with more than [...]
