Wiki 69200 and Fungal removal

[misbell]

Our office is having a heated discussion as to whether a fungal infection, removed via suction, is considered under CPT 69200 or included as an E/M. I feed it is included as an E/M but the physicians argue that the fungus is not a normal circumstance in the ear and wants a more definite answer. Any info from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mojo]

Suction is an accepted removal method for 69200. If this is what your physicians are removing (see video), I would agree with them.

Caution: the video is graphic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPprTcXQjSw&NR=1

 

[misbell]

Thank you. But, the question is not whether to use 69200 it is rather does "fungal" classify as a foreign body???? I appreciate your response.

 

[Mojo]

It could be argued that the airborne pathogens, fungal spores, are foreign bodies like dust and dirt. They are not what we typically think of when we code a foreign body of the ear.

Keep us posted on what you decide.