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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.119

H68.119

Billable

Osseous obstruction of Eustachian tube, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.119 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osseous obstruction of eustachian tube, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube refers to a condition where bone growth or abnormal bony structures obstruct the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This obstruction can lead to various complications, including chronic otitis media, hearing loss, and balance disorders. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, hearing impairment, tinnitus, and recurrent ear infections. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies like CT scans to visualize the Eustachian tube and surrounding structures. Management may include medical therapy, such as decongestants and nasal corticosteroids, or surgical interventions like tympanostomy tube placement or Eustachian tube dilation. The condition can significantly impact quality of life, necessitating accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for imaging studies for accurate diagnosis
  • Potential for co-existing conditions like otitis media
  • Differentiation from other Eustachian tube dysfunctions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging studies performed
  • Misuse of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available
  • Lack of clarity on the relationship between symptoms and the obstruction

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on patient history, physical examination findings, and results of diagnostic tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or balance issues.

Billing Considerations

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

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric test results and correlation with clinical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments due to suspected Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of Eustachian tube obstruction on hearing thresholds.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.119 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's severity and any associated symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.119 When
  • Exclude conditions that may lead to confusion in diagnosis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for surgery and pre-operative evaluations.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the obstruction's impact on hearing.

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 data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

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 data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

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, hearing loss, tinnitus, and recurrent ear infections.

How is osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies such as CT scans.

What treatment options are available for this condition?

Treatment may include medical management with decongestants and nasal corticosteroids, or surgical interventions like tympanostomy tube placement.