69200 Clear outer ear canal
Also known as: cerumen removal, earwax removal, cerumen impaction, ear foreign body removal, ear wax removal
Removal of impacted cerumen (earwax) or debris from external auditory canal using cerumen spoon or vacuum.
In Plain Language
removing earwax; cleaning ear canal
Clinical Context
Used for cerumen impaction causing hearing loss or discomfort. Common indications include impacted earwax or excessive debris.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.75 |
| Total RVU | 0.75 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.75, this code ranks in the 2nd percentile among Surgery codes — 10.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 69200?
CPT 69200 (Clear outer ear canal) is a Surgery code. Removal of impacted cerumen (earwax) or debris from external auditory canal using cerumen spoon or vacuum.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 69200?
The work RVU for CPT 69200 is 0.75. This code is primarily used by Otolaryngology.
When is CPT 69200 used?
Used for cerumen impaction causing hearing loss or discomfort. Common indications include impacted earwax or excessive debris.
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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.