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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.02

H68.02

Billable

Chronic Eustachian salpingitis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic eustachian salpingitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic Eustachian salpingitis is characterized by the inflammation of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This condition often arises from recurrent upper respiratory infections, allergies, or chronic sinusitis, leading to persistent dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. Patients may present with symptoms such as aural fullness, hearing loss, tinnitus, and recurrent otitis media. The chronic nature of the condition can result in complications such as tympanic membrane retraction or cholesteatoma if left untreated. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, otoscopic examination, and audiometric testing to assess hearing loss. Management may include medical therapy with decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, or antibiotics, and in some cases, surgical interventions such as tympanostomy tube placement may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Accurate coding for chronic Eustachian salpingitis is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from acute Eustachian salpingitis
  • Need for detailed patient history and symptom documentation
  • Potential for co-existing conditions (e.g., otitis media)
  • Variability in treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity
  • Failure to document associated symptoms
  • Misclassification with acute conditions
  • Lack of evidence for medical necessity of procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or nasal congestion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the chronic nature and any surgical interventions performed.

Allergy and Immunology

Documentation Requirements

Allergy testing results, treatment plans for underlying allergic conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic Eustachian salpingitis secondary to allergic rhinitis.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the relationship between allergies and Eustachian tube dysfunction is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.02 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for chronic conditions, ensuring documentation supports the diagnosis
  • Include details on the duration of symptoms and any treatments attempted

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.02 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, general anesthesia

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with chronic Eustachian salpingitis requiring drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery and any pre-operative assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all surgical interventions are well-documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like Eustachian salpingitis, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like Eustachian salpingitis, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chronic and acute Eustachian salpingitis?

Chronic Eustachian salpingitis is characterized by symptoms lasting longer than three months, often associated with recurrent infections or allergies, while acute Eustachian salpingitis presents with sudden onset symptoms typically resolving within a few weeks.