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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Correction:

Steroid Injection Doesn't Require Modifier 52

Published on Fri Jul 08, 2005

Report transtympanic injection as 69801

Modifier 52 is unnecessary on steroid injection claims of 69801.
 
Otolaryngology Coding Alert's April 2005 "You Be the Coder: How to Bill a Steroid Injection" erroneously added the reduced service indicator (modifier 52) to 69801 (Labyrinthotomy, with or without cryosurgery including other nonexcisional destructive procedures or perfusion of vestibuloactive drugs [single or multiple perfusions]; transcanal) for a transtympanic injection.
  
The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) does not support the application of modifier 52 with the steroid injection. Otolaryngology Coding Alert concurs with the Academy's recommendation.

But remember, 69801 contains a 90-day global period. Therefore, you should not bill subsequent injections during this time.
 
You should, however, report the drugs, such as gentamicin (J1580, Injection, Garamycin, gentamicin, up to 80 mg).
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