69020 drainage external aud canal abscess
Also known as: ear canal abscess drainage, external canal I&D
Drainage of abscess in external auditory canal using local incision and drainage technique.
In Plain Language
draining ear canal infection; opening ear canal abscess
Clinical Context
Used for external auditory canal infections. Common indications include otitis externa with abscess, malignant otitis externa, or post-traumatic abscess.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.49 |
| Total RVU | 1.49 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.49, this code ranks in the 9th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 69020?
CPT 69020 (drainage external aud canal abscess) is a Surgery code. Drainage of abscess in external auditory canal using local incision and drainage technique.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 69020?
The work RVU for CPT 69020 is 1.49. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 69020 used?
Used for external auditory canal infections. Common indications include otitis externa with abscess, malignant otitis externa, or post-traumatic abscess.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.