Otolaryngology Coding Alert

When your otolaryngologist injects an anti-inflammatory steroid or other such medication into a patient’s inner ear to treat vertigo, you should submit 69801 once if only one ear is addressed, but with modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) appended if the physician injects both ears.

According to the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, 69801’s bilateral status is “1,” and the description for Status 1 is “150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.”

Don’t forget to also report the supply code for the Kenalog, such as J3301 (Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, not otherwise specified, 10 mg).