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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.012

H68.012

Billable

Acute Eustachian salpingitis, left ear

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.012 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute eustachian salpingitis, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute Eustachian salpingitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This condition is characterized by the acute onset of symptoms such as ear pain, pressure, and potential hearing loss in the affected ear. The inflammation can result from infections, allergies, or upper respiratory tract infections, leading to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. Clinically, patients may present with otalgia (ear pain), a sensation of fullness in the ear, and possibly fever. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, including otoscopic examination, which may reveal signs of middle ear effusion or tympanic membrane retraction. Management often involves addressing the underlying cause, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections, decongestants, or nasal corticosteroids for allergic reactions. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve persistent symptoms or complications, such as tympanostomy tube placement. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic conditions
  • Identifying the specific ear affected (left ear in this case)
  • Understanding the relationship with other ear conditions (e.g., otitis media)
  • Navigating coding guidelines for related procedures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on patient history, examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, hearing loss, or recurrent ear infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the specific ear affected and any associated conditions.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination notes, including any referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with upper respiratory infections leading to ear symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the progression of symptoms and any treatments provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.012 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H68
  • 012 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of acute Eustachian salpingitis specifically affecting the left ear

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.012 When
  • Exclusions include chronic conditions or other ear diseases that do not fit this diagnosis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with acute Eustachian salpingitis requires drainage of fluid.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery and pre-operative assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the surgical procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H68.012 provides a clear distinction for acute cases, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H68.012 provides a clear distinction for acute cases, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of acute Eustachian salpingitis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, pressure in the ear, hearing loss, and sometimes fever. Patients may also report a sensation of fullness in the affected ear.

How is acute Eustachian salpingitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, including patient history and otoscopic examination to check for signs of middle ear effusion or tympanic membrane retraction.