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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.103

H68.103

Billable

Unspecified obstruction of Eustachian tube, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.103 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified obstruction of eustachian tube, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified obstruction of the Eustachian tube, bilateral, refers to a condition where both Eustachian tubes are blocked or narrowed, leading to impaired ventilation and drainage of the middle ear. This obstruction can result from various factors, including inflammation, infection, allergies, or anatomical abnormalities. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, discomfort, hearing loss, and recurrent otitis media. The condition can lead to complications like chronic otitis media or hearing impairment if not addressed. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history, physical examination, and may include audiometric testing or tympanometry to assess middle ear function. Management strategies may include medical therapies such as decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, or antibiotics for associated infections, and in some cases, surgical interventions like tympanostomy tube placement may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and restore normal ear function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Differentiation from other ear conditions
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and treatments
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and treatment
  • Failure to specify bilateral involvement
  • Misdiagnosis or coding of related conditions
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, physical examination findings, and results from audiometric tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or post-operative evaluations following tympanostomy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the bilateral nature of the obstruction and any associated treatments or interventions.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of ear infections, family history of otitis media, and developmental milestones.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent otitis media requiring evaluation for Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Document any parental concerns regarding hearing or speech development in relation to ear health.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.103 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for the use of H68
  • 103, ensuring that the bilateral nature of the obstruction is clearly documented
  • Include relevant diagnostic tests and treatment plans in the medical record to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.103 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with bilateral Eustachian tube obstruction requires surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the surgical necessity is 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 conditions like bilateral Eustachian tube obstruction, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear-related disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like bilateral Eustachian tube obstruction, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear-related disorders.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like bilateral Eustachian tube obstruction, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear-related disorders.

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 are the common symptoms of bilateral Eustachian tube obstruction?

Common symptoms include ear fullness, discomfort, hearing loss, and recurrent ear infections. Patients may also experience a sensation of pressure in the ears.