CPT Knowledgebase - Jun 16, 2015

What is the appropriate CPT coding for simple and/or complex debridement/cleaning of ear(s) under the microscope in the office setting? This procedure is performed on patients who have external otitis, which requires cleaning with half-strength peroxide, suctioning, occasionally an injection of local anesthetic, silver nitrate cautery, and instillation of otic drops. The cleaning may require all or part of these components. Occasionally, patients with severely impacted cerumen, which cannot be simply removed in the chair with instrumentation, also require microscopic debridement. I feel this is more than an "office visit" and more than code 69210 (REVISED IN 2014) (removal of impacted cerumen).

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