ICD Code H61.23

ICD code H61.23 is used to identify the medical condition of impacted cerumen, or earwax, in both ears. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system, which is used by healthcare providers to standardize the diagnosis of medical conditions for billing and record-keeping purposes. Impacted cerumen can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, earache, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, and this specific code helps in accurately documenting and managing the condition in a patient's medical records.

1. Presence of Earwax Buildup: The patient exhibits a noticeable accumulation of earwax in both ears, which may be visible upon examination.

2. Hearing Impairment: The patient reports difficulty hearing, which may be attributed to the blockage caused by the earwax.

3. Ear Discomfort or Pain: The patient experiences discomfort, fullness, or pain in both ears, potentially indicating the presence of impacted cerumen.

4. Tinnitus: The patient may report ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears, which can be associated with earwax impaction.

5. Dizziness or Vertigo: The patient experiences episodes of dizziness or vertigo, which can sometimes be linked to earwax buildup affecting the ear canal.

6. Itching in the Ear Canal: The patient complains of itching in both ear canals, a common symptom of impacted cerumen.

7. Visible Obstruction: Upon otoscopic examination, there is a visible obstruction in both ear canals due to earwax, confirming the diagnosis of impaction.

8. History of Earwax Issues: The patient has a history of recurrent earwax buildup or previous treatments for impacted cerumen.

9. Failure of Self-Care Measures: The patient has attempted self-care measures, such as using ear drops or irrigation, without success in alleviating symptoms or removing the earwax.

10. Referral from Primary Care: The patient has been referred by a primary care provider for further evaluation and management of suspected impacted cerumen in both ears.

For the ICD code H61.23, which pertains to impacted cerumen, bilateral, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

- 69210: Removal of impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral. Note that this code is typically used for one ear, so if both ears are treated, it may be necessary to report the code twice or use appropriate modifiers as per payer guidelines.

- 69209: Removal of impacted cerumen using irrigation/lavage, unilateral. Similar to 69210, this code is also reported per ear, and appropriate modifiers may be needed for bilateral procedures.

It's important to verify with specific payer policies and guidelines, as coding practices can vary. Additionally, documentation should support the use of these codes, ensuring that the removal was necessary and performed with the appropriate method.

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