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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.112

H68.112

Billable

Osseous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.112 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osseous obstruction of eustachian tube, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube in the left ear 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 variety of complications, including chronic otitis media, hearing loss, and balance disorders. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, pain, hearing impairment, and recurrent ear infections. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies such as CT scans to visualize the obstruction. Management may include medical therapy, such as decongestants or nasal corticosteroids, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the obstruction and restore normal Eustachian tube function. Understanding the underlying causes, which can include chronic inflammation or anatomical anomalies, is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of recurrence.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of Eustachian tube dysfunction
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis
  • Potential for co-existing conditions like otitis media
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging results
  • Misclassification of the type of obstruction
  • Lack of clear treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, results of audiometric tests, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or post-surgical follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of symptoms and any surgical interventions performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive audiometric evaluations and reports on hearing loss.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of patients with hearing impairment related to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Document the correlation between audiometric findings and Eustachian tube obstruction.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.112 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for the use of H68
  • 112, ensuring that documentation supports the diagnosis
  • Include any relevant imaging or test results that confirm the diagnosis of osseous obstruction

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.112 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for Eustachian tube obstruction.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery and pre-operative evaluations.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all surgical notes are detailed and include the diagnosis.

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 diagnoses and treatment tracking.

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 diagnoses and treatment tracking.

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 diagnoses and treatment tracking.

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 ear.