Wiki Can't bill 69424 because same physician inserted tubes

[ljones88]

I have a general question. If a physician within our group performs 69436 two years ago and now the same patient needs to have the tubes removed in the OR and comes to the same physician for the removal without inserting new tubes, is there a specific code other than 69424 that can be billed for the physician's time in the OR or would the ENT have to refer the patient to someone outside of our group for the removal?

 

[jackjones62]

OK, this is a simply situation, CPT 69424 is your answer, it does not matter how long ago the tubes were placed or by whom, the key element is that the surgeon has to bring the patient back to the OR to remove them; CPT 69424: Ventilating Tube Removal Requiring General Anesthesia; also note, CPT 69424 can be charged bilaterally.

If the tube(s) removal could be done in the office then you could not charge for the removal only an E/M charge, or perhaps a microscope charge depending on the situation.

Jennifer
CT ENT