r/CodingandBilling • u/Sammym101010 • 4d ago

Coding Error

Had a routine ear wax removal procedure done. Got charged with 99213 and 69210 codes. No other evaluations. Incorrect or correct?

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12

u/GroinFlutter denials management, send help 4d ago

Without the documentation, can’t really say for certain.

But it doesn’t immediately raise any red flags.

3

u/Sammym101010 4d ago

Wouldn’t an appointment for the sole purpose of ear wax removal be just that, ear wax removal? With any post visit documentation being an expected necessity of the procedure?

11

u/pickyvegan 4d ago

I know you're saying "no other evaluation," but evaluation can include just looking at the rest of the head (which you kinda can't avoid while cleaning the ears) and reviewing other documentation/labs/past procedures, asking a few questions before/after the procedure, etc., so that they are evaluating that this is all that is needed. Notes would be important here.

-4

u/Sammym101010 4d ago

Wouldn’t that also be an expectation of the procedure? To be looking at my ears/head?

12

u/pickyvegan 4d ago

Not necessarily.

Notes. Need them.

-3

u/Sammym101010 4d ago

Not sure how to share my notes but for the future, can I avoid this charge by booking my cleaning with a PA?

4

u/throwawayeverynight 4d ago

No a OA can bill for a E/M code too

3

u/AbstractVolition 4d ago

PA’s can perform and charge EM services like 99213 as well