Find comprehensive information on Ear Foreign Body (E), also known as Foreign Object in Ear or Ear Canal Obstruction. This resource covers diagnosis, treatment, and medical coding for ear foreign body removal. Learn about clinical documentation best practices for healthcare professionals dealing with ear canal obstructions and foreign objects in the ear. Explore relevant medical coding terms and guidelines for accurate billing and documentation of ear foreign body cases.
Also known as
Foreign body in ear and nose
Codes for foreign objects lodged in the ear or nose.
Impacted cerumen
Excessive earwax buildup blocking the ear canal.
Otitis externa
Inflammation of the outer ear, sometimes caused by foreign bodies.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the foreign body animate (insect)?
Yes
Code T16.2XXA, Foreign body in ear, animate
No
Is the foreign body in the external ear?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Object stuck in ear canal. |
| Live insect trapped in ear. |
| Earwax buildup blocking ear canal. |
Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, bilateral) for ear foreign body can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data.
Failing to distinguish between impacted and non-impacted foreign bodies affects coding accuracy and reimbursement.
Documenting the type of foreign body (insect, bead, etc.) improves coding specificity and statistical analysis.
Q: What are the best evidence-based techniques for removing a foreign body from the ear canal in a pediatric patient, minimizing trauma and distress?
A: Removing a foreign body from a pediatric ear canal requires a delicate approach to minimize trauma and distress. Current best practices emphasize a calm environment and proper immobilization. For inorganic objects, irrigation is often contraindicated due to potential swelling with certain materials. Suction, specialized forceps, or a right-angle hook can be effective under direct visualization with an otoscope or operating microscope. However, insect removal often necessitates prior instillation of lidocaine or mineral oil to immobilize the insect before extraction. Explore how our advanced instrumentation guide can aid in choosing the right tools for safe and effective foreign body removal in children. If the object is deeply embedded, impacted, or the tympanic membrane is compromised, prompt referral to an otolaryngologist is crucial. Consider implementing a standardized protocol for foreign body removal in your practice to ensure consistent, safe, and efficient care.
Q: How can I differentiate between an uncomplicated ear foreign body and a more serious condition requiring urgent otolaryngology consultation, such as a perforated tympanic membrane or deep ear canal laceration?
A: Differentiating between a simple ear foreign body and a more serious condition requires a thorough otoscopic examination. Look for signs of tympanic membrane perforation like a visible tear, hemotympanum, or otorrhea. Deep ear canal lacerations may present with bleeding and significant pain. If visualization is obscured by cerumen or the foreign body itself, careful microsuctioning or irrigation may be necessary before definitive diagnosis. If you suspect a perforated eardrum, deep laceration, or if the foreign body is embedded and cannot be easily removed, immediate referral to an otolaryngologist is warranted to prevent further complications. Learn more about the red flags indicating urgent ENT referral in suspected ear foreign body cases.
Patient presents with a complaint of foreign body sensation in the right ear. Onset reported as approximately two days ago. Symptoms include aural fullness, discomfort, and mild itching. Patient denies hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. Otoscopic examination reveals a small, dark object lodged in the external auditory canal, consistent with the patient's reported symptoms. Diagnosis of ear foreign body confirmed. Treatment plan includes removal of the foreign body via irrigation. Procedure explained to the patient, including risks and benefits. Informed consent obtained. Post-removal otoscopy confirms successful extraction and intact tympanic membrane. Patient tolerated the procedure well and reported immediate relief of symptoms. Patient education provided regarding ear canal hygiene and prevention of future foreign body insertion. Follow-up not indicated unless symptoms recur. ICD-10 code H61.231, Foreign body in right external ear, assigned. CPT code 69205, Removal foreign body from external auditory canal, assigned.