CPT 69210 Surgery - Auditory

How Much Does Remove Impacted Ear Wax Uni Cost?

Also known as: Remove impacted ear wax uni (CPT 69210)

Removal of earwax (cerumen) by a healthcare provider using irrigation, suction, or instruments.

The total estimated cost of Remove Impacted Ear Wax Uni (CPT 69210) is $91 to $170, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $27.

Total Estimated Cost of Care

$91 — $170

This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .

Surgeon/Physician Fee
$27
Hospital Facility Fee
$81
Anesthesia (est.)
$5
Important: The physician fee of $27 shown in the cost cards below is what Medicare pays the surgeon/doctor only. The hospital charges a separate facility fee that typically makes up 70-85% of the total cost.
Medicare Physician Fee (Facility Setting)
$27
Physician component only — CMS PFS 2026
Medicare Physician Fee (Office/Clinic)
$48
Non-facility setting

Patient Guide: Remove Impacted Ear Wax Uni

What you need to know before your appointment

What to Expect

The doctor or nurse will remove earwax using warm water irrigation, a small suction device, or a curette (small scoop). You may feel pressure or slight discomfort.

How Long Does It Take?

10-15 minutes

Common Reasons Doctors Order This

Impacted earwax causing hearing loss, ear pain, ringing in ears, ear fullness, earwax blocking the eardrum view

How to Prepare

Do not insert anything into your ear before the visit. You may use earwax softening drops for a few days before if recommended.

Procedures Commonly Done Together

These procedures are frequently performed alongside Remove impacted ear wax uni

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How to Reduce Your Cost for Remove impacted ear wax uni

Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars

  • 1
    Ask about cash-pay discounts

    Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.

  • 2
    Compare facility vs. office setting costs

    For this procedure, the office rate ($48) differs from the facility rate ($27). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.

  • 3
    Shop around — costs vary significantly

    Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.

How is the Price Calculated?

Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.

0.59
Work RVU
0.15
Practice Expense RVU
0.07
Malpractice RVU
1.43
Total RVU

Payment = Total RVU (1.43) x CF ($33.40) = $48

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Remove impacted ear wax uni cost?

The Medicare facility rate for Remove impacted ear wax uni is $27. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).

How much does Remove impacted ear wax uni cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of Remove impacted ear wax uni can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.

Does insurance cover Remove impacted ear wax uni?

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Remove impacted ear wax uni when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.

Why does the cost vary so much by location?

Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.

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