Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: One of our physicians wants us to report for otowick placement. Is there a CPT code for this procedure?

New Jersey Subscriber

Answer: No separate CPT code exists for otowick placement, it is part of the E/M (such as 99201-99205, Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient ...).

If the physician uses a binocular microscope, however, you can report 92504 (Binocular microscopy [separate diagnostic procedure]) for the placement.

You should report 92504 only if the value of the procedure (relative value units, or RVUs) does not incorporate the use of the microscope in the calculation.

Be careful: CPT designates 92504 as a separate procedure; that means payers include it in any other procedure done in the same anatomic area. You would use 92504 only if that is the only procedure your ENT performed and documented.