mod 50 vs RT/LT
You need to determine 1st if the procedure can be billed bilaterally.
Typically I would check the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to see what the ruling there is for bil. If it can be the next step is to check with the specific carrier how they want it.
some want mod 50, one line item, one unit (Medicare)
some want it mod 50, one line item, two units
others want RT/LT one line item, two untis
and I have also found it RT/LT two line items, one unit each.
Impacted Cerumen removal is coded once for one or two ears. If you do only one I recommend using the RT or LT (whichever is appropriate)
AMA Determination:
A major element in determining whether code 69210 should be reported is to understand the definition of impacted cerumen. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), impacted cerumen by definition is “if any one or more of the following are present, cerumen should be considered impacted clinically�:
•Visual Considerations – Cerumen impairs exam of clinically significant portions of the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, or middle ear condition
•Qualitative Considerations – Extremely hard, dry, irritative cerumen causing symptoms such as pain, itching, hearing loss, etc
•Inflammatory Considerations – Associated with foul odor, infection, or dermatitis
•Quantitative Considerations – Obstructive, copious cerumen that cannot be removed without magnification and multiple instruments requiring physician skills
Other issues may also require consideration; however, the removal of ear wax that is NOT impacted does not warrant the reporting of CPT code 69210. This work would be appropriately captured by an E&M code regardless of how it is removed.
I hope this helps.
Cheryl