AMA CPT® Assistant - 2016 Issue 2 (February)
Surgery: Auditory System (Q&A) (February 2016)
February 2016 page 14 Surgery: Auditory System Question: Who may perform the procedure described by code 69209 , Removal impacted cerumen using irrigation/lavage, unilateral ? In addition, does it require the use of instrumentation and magnification? Answer: The procedure described by code 69209 may be performed by a physician or any qualified health care professional, including clinical staff. The procedure does not require the use of instrumentation and/or magnification. When the removal of impacted cerumen requires instrumentation, report code 69210 , Removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral. Note: For cerumen removal that is not impacted, report an E/M service as appropriate. Surgery:...
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Article Overview
This article presents a short question-and-answer discussion from CPT Assistant focused on auditory system coding. It is relevant to physicians, qualified health care professionals, clinical staff, and coding professionals who need general guidance on cerumen removal reporting and related evaluation and management considerations. The piece centers on a small set of CPT procedure codes and explains the context in which the guidance applies.
Why This Topic Matters
Auditory system coding questions often arise in routine office and clinic encounters. This Q&A helps readers understand the scope of the guidance, the type of personnel involved, and the related coding context addressed by the article.
Article Sections
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February 2016 page 14
Introduces the Q&A format and identifies the publication page and date context for the topic.
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Surgery: Auditory System
Presents the auditory system coding topic addressed in the article and frames the discussion as a CPT Assistant question and answer.
What You Will Learn
- The general subject matter covered in this CPT Assistant Q&A
- How the article frames cerumen removal reporting in an auditory system context
- The kinds of personnel and clinical settings referenced in the guidance
- The related coding considerations discussed alongside the main procedure topic
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Qualified health care professionals
- Clinical staff
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Practice managers
Codes Discussed
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