What is the code for cerumen removal?

Group 1

Code	Description
69209	REMOVAL IMPACTED CERUMEN USING IRRIGATION/LAVAGE, UNILATERAL
69210	REMOVAL IMPACTED CERUMEN REQUIRING INSTRUMENTATION, UNILATERAL
G0268	REMOVAL OF IMPACTED CERUMEN (ONE OR BOTH EARS) BY PHYSICIAN ON SAME DATE OF SERVICE AS AUDIOLOGIC FUNCTION TESTING

How do elderly people get rid of ear wax?

Usually, earwax can be safely removed by softening it with water, saline or commercial ear drops and then through gentle syringing or manual extraction with a device called a curette. The effects in the elderly can be immediate.

Are ear wax removal devices safe?

Cleaning the Ears Can Be Risky “Or, you can actually hit your eardrum with the Q-tip,” which could puncture the eardrum. Jethanamest says that usually a perforated eardrum will heal on its own in time and not cause lasting damage. But in rare cases, even just a tiny perforation of the eardrum can lead to hearing loss.

When do you bill for cerumen removal?

Requirements for reporting 69210: Cerumen is associated with foul odor, infection, or dermatitis; or. Obstructive, copious cerumen of any consistency that cannot be removed without magnification and instrumentation requiring physician skills.

Is ear wax related to dementia?

Earwax buildup can also lead to surprising outcomes in mood and functioning of the brain itself. As Healthline reported earlier this year, studies have linked hearing loss with cognitive decline and dementia — which can be exacerbated by cerumen impaction.

Are spiral ear wax removers safe?

Tools like ear picks or spiral tools could accidentally puncture your eardrum and cause permanent hearing loss. Similarly, ear candles can cause problems with your ear health. Ear candles could potentially leave even more wax inside your ear, making the problem worse.

Does Medicare pay for 69210?

Medicare cannot reimburse audiologists for CPT code 69210 or HCPCS code G0268 under any circumstances.

Can earwax affect the brain?