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CPT code 69105: Ear canal biopsy, external auditory canal2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Houston, TX

Reports tissue sampling of a suspicious lesion in the external auditory canal when microscopic examination is needed to establish a diagnosis.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality1.7K Medicare services in 2024

In Houston, TX, Medicare pays $144.77 for 69105 in the office and $58.87 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$144.77Office (non-facility)
$58.87Hospital or facility
+0.6%vs the national office rate ($143.96)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 69105 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 69105 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Houston, TX
  2. What 69105 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 69105 covers

An otolaryngologist typically performs this biopsy when tissue from a lesion in the external auditory canal is needed for diagnosis, such as evaluation of a growth or abnormal area in the ear canal. The canal extends inward from the ear opening toward the tympanic membrane; a biopsy of the visible outer ear instead is a different service. The procedure may be performed in an office or facility, depending on the lesion and clinical circumstances.

Choose this code when the service is tissue sampling for diagnosis, rather than definitive removal of the canal lesion. Document the canal site, the abnormal finding, the reason for sampling, and the specimen obtained. A separately performed pathology interpretation may be reported by the responsible pathologist. This is a 0-day global procedure, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. For bilateral reporting with modifier 50, CMS pays 150%. When multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued is paid in full and others at 50%. Assistant-at-surgery payment is restricted; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

How Houston, TX compares for 69105

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 69105 runs from $126.30 in Arkansas to $195.05 in San Benito County, CA. Houston, TX pays $144.77. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

69105 in Houston, TX vs other payment areas
  1. Houston, TX · this page$144.77
  2. Austin, TX · Texas$150.12+$5.35
  3. Beaumont, TX · Texas$133.57−$11.20
  4. Brazoria, TX · Texas$142.36−$2.41
  5. Dallas, TX · Texas$143.24−$1.53
  6. Fort Worth, TX · Texas$142.16−$2.61
  7. Galveston, TX · Texas$142.76−$2.01

Other areas in Texas first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

69105 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
Rest of TexasTexas$137.86$55.76
Los Angeles, CACalifornia$164.46$62.12
Washington, DC areaDistrict of Columbia$165.91$64.00
Miami, FLFlorida$154.19$64.14
Chicago, ILIllinois$149.47$62.53
Manhattan, NYNew York$166.12$65.60
AlaskaAlaska$163.49$71.35
AlabamaAlabama$128.29$52.60

69105 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

Explore a state

Local rates. Clear comparisons.

Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.

$126.30

$174.29

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
69105 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$163.491
AL$128.291
AR$126.301
AZ$139.941
CA$153.53–$195.0529
CO$150.691
CT$153.951
DC$165.911
DE$142.371
FL$140.85–$154.193
GA$132.51–$146.582
GU$157.831
HI$157.831
IA$132.171
ID$133.021
IL$136.23–$150.034
IN$133.851
KS$131.331
KY$131.151
LA$130.86–$137.822
MA$149.62–$166.532
MD$145.28–$165.913
ME$133.56–$141.592
MI$134.64–$142.542
MN$144.641
MO$128.33–$138.563
MS$127.351
MT$143.951
NC$135.091
ND$141.781
NE$133.011
NH$148.111
NJ$155.78–$163.962
NM$135.351
NV$143.461
NY$137.24–$170.155
OH$134.191
OK$131.091
OR$142.42–$155.962
PA$134.53–$149.782
PR$145.141
RI$147.801
SC$134.851
SD$141.521
TN$132.011
TX$133.57–$150.128
UT$136.831
VA$140.96–$165.912
VI$145.141
VT$141.021
WA$149.41–$170.222
WI$136.691
WV$130.801
WY$143.001

See 69105 in every payment locality

How the 69105 rate is calculated

Each of 69105’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

How the rate is built · 69105

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.83

0.83 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense3.37

3.37 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.11

0.11 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

4.3100

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$143.96

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Houston, TX inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

7,585

Code
69105
Physician work
0.83
Practice expense
3.37
Malpractice
0.11

GPCI2026.csv

102

Locality
Houston, TX
Physician work
1.008
Practice expense
0.993
Malpractice
1.376
Office calculation for 69105 in Houston, TX
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.83× 1.0080.8366
Practice expense3.37× 0.9933.3464
Malpractice0.11× 1.3760.1514
Total RVUs4.3344
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Houston, TX$144.77

Office: (0.83 × 1.008 + 3.37 × 0.993 + 0.11 × 1.376) × $33.4009 = $144.77

Facility: (0.83 × 1.008 + 0.78 × 0.993 + 0.11 × 1.376) × $33.4009 = $58.87

Open 69105 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 69105

The CMS indicators that decide how 69105 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 69105

Ear canal biopsy, external auditory canal

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period000Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included.
Multiple procedures2Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%.
Bilateral (modifier 50)1Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)1Not paid (statutory restriction).
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 50 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

69105 without 50 · national office

$143.96

Ear canal biopsy, external auditory canal

69105-50 · Bilateral: 150%

$215.94

Both sides on one line with modifier 50 are paid at 150% of the fee schedule amount (subject to multiple-procedure rules with other procedures).

When to use modifier 50

Codes related to 69105

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 69105
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Houston, TX
Used instead
69100Ear biopsy, auricle, not ear canalUsed for biopsy of the external ear rather than tissue sampling within the auditory canal.$93.16
69140Ear canal excision, lesion removalCanal lesion excision is considered when the service removes rather than samples the lesion.No office rate
69145Ear canal excision, with or without tympanic membraneA canal lesion excision option when treatment involves removal rather than diagnostic biopsy.$408.29

How 69105 has changed in Houston, TX

69105 · Office / nonfacility

$144.77

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $4.55 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $140.22 to $144.77 (3.2%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.

What changed, release by release

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $140.22changed to$144.77

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.85 changed to 0.83
    • Practice expense RVU 3.28 changed to 3.37
    • Malpractice RVU 0.13 changed to 0.11
    • Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.008
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.003 changed to 0.993
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.409 changed to 1.376

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $147.17changed to$140.22

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 3.38 changed to 3.28
    • Malpractice RVU 0.12 changed to 0.13

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $144.77changed to$147.17

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $151.91changed to$144.77

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 3.42 changed to 3.38
    • Work GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.014
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.016 changed to 1.003
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.154 changed to 1.409

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $155.92changed to$151.91

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 3.43 changed to 3.42
    • Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.12
    • Work GPCI 1.032 changed to 1.023
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.029 changed to 1.016
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.900 changed to 1.154

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $155.33changed to$155.92

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 3.36 changed to 3.43
    • Malpractice RVU 0.13 changed to 0.11

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $147.02changed to$155.33

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 3.04 changed to 3.36
    • Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.13
    • Work GPCI 1.026 changed to 1.032
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.029
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.918 changed to 0.900

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $145.44changed to$147.02

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 3.02 changed to 3.04
    • Malpractice RVU 0.12 changed to 0.11
    • Work GPCI 1.020 changed to 1.026
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.020
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.936 changed to 0.918

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $143.09changed to$145.44

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 2.96 changed to 3.02

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $143.82changed to$143.09

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 3.00 changed to 2.96
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.009 changed to 1.012
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.946 changed to 0.936

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $144.97changed to$143.82

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 3.05 changed to 3.00
    • Work GPCI 1.019 changed to 1.020
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.006 changed to 1.009
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.955 changed to 0.946

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $145.14changed to$144.97

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 3.04 changed to 3.05

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $144.41changed to$145.14

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $144.30changed to$144.41

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 3.06 changed to 3.04
    • Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.12
    • Work GPCI 1.014 changed to 1.019
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.004 changed to 1.006
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.939 changed to 0.955

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $148.91changed to$144.30

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 3.42 changed to 3.06
    • Work GPCI 1.009 changed to 1.014
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.002 changed to 1.004
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.923 changed to 0.939

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $148.91

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$144.77$58.87RVU26D
2026-07-01$144.77$58.87RVU26C
2026-04-01$144.77$58.87RVU26B
2026-01-01$144.77$58.87RVU26A
2025-10-01$140.22$65.60RVU25D
2025-07-01$140.22$65.60RVU25C
2025-04-01$140.22$65.60RVU25B
2025-01-01$140.22$65.60RVU25A
2024-10-01$147.17$66.04RVU24D
2024-07-01$147.17$66.04RVU24C
2024-04-01$147.17$66.04RVU24B
2024-03-09$147.17$66.04RVU24AR
2024-01-01$144.77$64.96RVU24A
2023-10-01$151.91$66.18RVU23D
2023-07-01$151.91$66.18RVU23C
2023-04-01$151.91$66.18RVU23B
2023-01-01$151.91$66.18RVU23A
2022-10-01$155.92$65.12RVU22D
2022-07-01$155.92$65.12RVU22C
2022-04-01$155.92$65.12RVU22B
2022-01-01$155.92$65.12RVU22A
2021-10-01$155.33$64.85RVU21D
2021-07-01$155.33$64.85RVU21C
2021-04-01$155.33$64.85RVU21B
2021-01-01$155.33$64.85RVU21A
2020-10-01$147.02$65.30RVU20D
2020-07-01$147.02$65.30RVU20C
2020-04-01$147.02$65.30RVU20B
2020-01-01$147.02$65.30RVU20A
2019-10-01$145.44$65.20RVU19D
2019-07-01$145.44$65.20RVU19C
2019-04-01$145.44$65.20RVU19B
2019-01-01$145.44$65.20RVU19A
2018-10-01$143.09$65.49RVU18D
2018-07-01$143.09$65.49RVU18C
2018-04-01$143.09$65.49RVU18B
2018-01-01$143.09$65.49RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$143.82$65.97RVU17D
2017-07-01$143.82$65.97RVU17C
2017-04-01$143.82$65.97RVU17B
2017-01-01$143.82$65.97RVU17A
2016-10-01$144.97$66.45RVU16D
2016-07-01$144.97$66.45RVU16C
2016-04-01$144.97$66.45RVU16B
2016-01-01$144.97$66.45RVU16A
2015-10-01$145.14$66.33RVU15D
2015-07-01$145.14$66.33RVU15C
2015-04-01$144.41$66.00RVU15B
2015-01-01$144.41$66.00RVU15A
2014-10-01$144.30$65.89RVU14D
2014-07-01$144.30$65.89RVU14C
2014-04-01$144.30$65.89RVU14B
2014-01-01$144.30$65.89RVU14A
2013-10-01$148.91$65.39RVU13D
2013-07-01$148.91$65.39RVU13C
2013-04-01$148.91$65.39RVU13B
2013-01-01$148.91$65.39RVU13AR

Price 69105 for an earlier date of service

Where the Houston, TX rate applies

Houston, TX is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 46 cities and communities in Texas. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

Browse all communities in Texas

69105 billing questions

How is this different from 69100?

This code is for a biopsy in the external auditory canal. Code 69100 is for a biopsy of the external ear, such as the pinna.

When should an excision code be considered instead?

Use a canal lesion excision code when the service is removal rather than diagnostic tissue sampling. Codes 69140 and 69145 are the nearby canal-lesion excision choices.

Is the pathology examination included?

This code describes obtaining the tissue specimen. A separately performed pathology interpretation may be reported by the responsible pathologist.

How is bilateral biopsy paid?

For a bilateral procedure reported with modifier 50, CMS pays 150%.

What happens when another procedure is performed in the same session?

Under the standard multiple procedure reduction, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others are paid at 50%. Same-day preoperative and postoperative care for this biopsy is included in its 0-day global period.

Can an assistant or co-surgeon be reported?

Assistant-at-surgery payment is restricted for this code. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 69105PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 7,585 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Houston, TXGPCI2026.csv, line 102 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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