Pediatric Coding Alert
You Be the Coder:
Ear Piercing
Published on Tue May 01, 2001
Question: We are often asked to perform ear piercing. What code can we use?
Connecticut Subscriber
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.
Answer: Many pediatricians think they can only bill an office visit for this procedure, but there is a code: 69090 (ear piercing). This is not a starred procedure, so, technically, you can bill for an office visit as well. You must perform any services you code, however. If a mother brings a 5-year-old girl to the office expressly to have her ears pierced, do not bill an office visit along with CPT 69090 . Most payers do not cover ear piercing; you must bill the parent.
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