Lymph Nodes & ENT

Yes, but it depends entirely on the location of the lymph nodes.

Otolaryngologists (ENTs) are formally trained as “Head and Neck Surgeons.” Therefore:

• Yes (ENT): If the lymph nodes are in the neck (cervical), face, or around the ears/salivary glands (parotid/submandibular), this falls squarely under ENT. They frequently treat lymphadenitis (infection), masses, and metastatic cancer in these areas.
• No (General Surgery/Primary Care): If the lymph nodes are in the armpit (axilla) or groin (inguinal), an ENT would generally not treat them.

Coding Context

If you are coding a claim for an ENT provider regarding lymph nodes, ensure the diagnosis specifies the Head/Neck region to support medical necessity.

• R59.0: Localized enlarged lymph nodes (often used for swollen glands in the neck).
• C77.0: Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck.
• L04.0: Acute lymphadenitis of face, head and neck.

00 Otolaryngology Specialty (ENT)