Pediatric Coding Alert

Question: Is 69200 a bilateral procedure, or do we need to include a modifier if the pediatrician removes foreign bodies from both ears?

Arkansas Subscriber

Answer: Code 69200 (Removal of foreign body from external auditory canal; without general anesthesia) is not a bilateral one, which means you can report it twice if the provider removes objects(such as beads) from both ears. Append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to the second code.

Careful: Don't confuse 69200 for foreign body removal with 69210 (Removal impacted cerumen [separate procedure], 1 or both ears). Foreign body removal does not include cerumen, which is why you'll report 69200 instead.