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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.019

H68.019

Billable

Acute Eustachian salpingitis, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.019 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute eustachian salpingitis, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute Eustachian salpingitis refers to the inflammation of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This condition can lead to symptoms such as ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and potential hearing loss. It is often associated with upper respiratory infections, allergies, or sinusitis, which can cause blockage and inflammation of the Eustachian tube. Clinically, patients may present with otalgia (ear pain), otorrhea (ear discharge), and sometimes fever. Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical history and physical examination, often supplemented by otoscopic examination revealing signs of middle ear effusion. Management may include decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and in some cases, antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. Surgical interventions, such as tympanostomy tube placement, may be considered for recurrent cases. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate 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 when unspecified
  • Potential overlap with other ear conditions like otitis media
  • Need for thorough documentation of symptoms and treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misclassification with chronic conditions
  • Lack of supporting evidence for treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain and upper respiratory symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the diagnosis and any surgical interventions performed.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history including developmental milestones and family history of ear infections.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent ear infections and associated respiratory symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of age-related factors in treatment and management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.019 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring to document the acute nature of the condition and any relevant symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.019 When
  • Exclude chronic conditions and ensure specificity in documentation

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, general anesthesia

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with recurrent acute Eustachian salpingitis requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery, pre-operative assessment, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the surgical necessity.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding Eustachian tube disorders, improving data collection and reimbursement accuracy.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding Eustachian tube disorders, improving data collection and reimbursement accuracy.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement accuracy.

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, a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, and sometimes fever.

How is acute Eustachian salpingitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical history, physical examination, and otoscopic findings.

What treatments are available for acute Eustachian salpingitis?

Treatment may include decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.

When should surgical intervention be considered?

Surgical intervention, such as tympanostomy tube placement, may be considered for recurrent cases or when conservative management fails.