Question: An otolaryngologist inserts pressure equalization (PE) tubes; six months later the same physician removes the tubes. I have heard many consultants say that when this occurs, the otolaryn-gologist cannot bill for the removal of the tubes, but where does it say so in writing? After all, the codes for tube placement (69433*, Tympanostomy [requiring insertion of ventilating tube], local or topical anesthesia]; and 69436, Tympanostomy [requiring insertion of ventilating tube], general anesthesia) do not state, "with tube insertion and removal."
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