Swimmer’s Ear

Question:

I am new to ENT coding and am not certain what code I should use. The physician placed an oto-wick in the left ear using the microscope on a patient with swimmer’s ear. Do I just report the microscope code 69990 or do I use a different CPT code?

Answer:

There is no specific CPT code for ear wick insertion. Ear wick insertion is considered a component of the evaluation and management (E/M) service. If the physician uses the microscope you may report CPT 92504 (Binocular microscopy) in addition to the E/M service.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 1/16/25.