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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.11

H68.11

Billable

Osseous obstruction of Eustachian tube

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osseous obstruction of eustachian tube.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube refers to a condition where bone growth or abnormal bone formation obstructs the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This obstruction can lead to a range of complications, including chronic otitis media, hearing loss, and vestibular disorders. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, pain, hearing impairment, and recurrent ear infections. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies such as CT scans to visualize the bony structures. Management may include medical therapy, such as decongestants or nasal steroids, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the obstruction and restore normal Eustachian tube function. Understanding the underlying pathology and the impact on auditory and vestibular function is crucial for effective treatment and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of ear anatomy and function
  • Differentiation from other Eustachian tube disorders
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and interventions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms leading to the diagnosis
  • Failure to document imaging studies performed
  • Lack of clarity on the relationship between obstruction and hearing loss
  • Inconsistent coding of co-morbid conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, results of audiometric tests, imaging reports, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent otitis media, chronic ear pain, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of obstruction and its impact on hearing and balance.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluation results, patient history regarding hearing loss, and any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of hearing loss in patients with known Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Document the correlation between audiometric findings and Eustachian tube obstruction.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.11 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's clinical presentation and any associated procedures
  • Include relevant history and physical examination findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.11 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Performed in cases of chronic otitis media due to Eustachian tube obstruction.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear linkage between the diagnosis and the procedure performed.

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 osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

Common symptoms include ear fullness, pain, hearing loss, and recurrent ear infections. Patients may also experience balance issues due to pressure changes in the middle ear.