Impacted cerumen, left ear

This code signifies the presence of a significant accumulation of earwax in the left external auditory canal, causing obstruction or symptoms. This impaction can lead to hearing loss, discomfort, tinnitus, or other otologic complaints.

Apply this code when documentation specifically indicates impacted cerumen affecting the left ear. This typically follows an otoscopic examination revealing a cerumen plug that partially or completely occludes the canal. Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing the laterality and the presence of impaction.

• Ensure laterality is clearly documented (left ear). If bilateral, a different code is required.
• Do not use this code for routine cerumen removal without documented impaction or symptoms.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is an incidental finding or contributing factor to another condition.