Extruded Tympanostomy Tube

Question:

My surgeon removed an extruded tympanostomy tube from a patient’s left ear under general anesthesia.  She wants to code this as 69424-LT for removing the tube.  Can you clarify if this is the correct code?

Answer:

Since the tube has moved from its original intended position and no longer serves the intended purpose, it is considered a foreign body. The correct code to report is 69205 (Removal foreign body from external auditory canal; with general anesthesia).

 Please review the CPT definition of a Foreign Body versus Implant

CPT Surgery Guidelines for “Foreign Body/Implant Definition.”

“An object intentionally placed by a physician or other qualified heal care professional for any purpose (eg, diagnostic or therapeutic) is considered an implant.  An object that is unintentionally placed (eg, trauma or ingestion) is considered a foreign body. If an implant (or part thereof) has moved from its original position or is structurally broken and no longer serves its intended purpose or presents a hazard to the patient, it qualifies as a foreign body for coding purposes unless CPT coding instructions direct otherwise or a specific CPT code exists to describe the removal of that broken/moved implant.”

*This response is based on the best information available as of 1/30/25.