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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.132

H68.132

Billable

Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.132 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of eustachian tube, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Extrinsic cartilaginous obstruction of the Eustachian tube in the left ear refers to a blockage caused by external factors affecting the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. This obstruction can lead to impaired ventilation and drainage of the middle ear, resulting in conditions such as otitis media, hearing loss, and potential vestibular dysfunction. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, discomfort, hearing impairment, and possibly balance issues. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies if necessary. Management may include medical therapies such as decongestants or nasal corticosteroids, and in some cases, surgical interventions like balloon Eustachian tuboplasty may be indicated to relieve the obstruction. Understanding the underlying causes, which can include allergies, infections, or anatomical variations, is crucial for effective treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between intrinsic and extrinsic causes of obstruction
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and diagnostic tests
  • Potential overlap with other Eustachian tube dysfunction codes
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on underlying causes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify laterality (left vs. right)
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on patient history, examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the nature of the obstruction and any interventions performed.

Allergy and Immunology

Documentation Requirements

Records of allergy testing and treatment plans for allergic rhinitis or other contributing factors.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction secondary to allergic reactions.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.132 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's specifics, including laterality and any associated conditions
  • Include relevant clinical findings and diagnostic tests to support the use of H68

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.132 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69705CPT Code

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for Eustachian tube obstruction.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for surgery, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of the surgical procedure and outcomes.

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 extrinsic cartilaginous 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 extrinsic cartilaginous 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 extrinsic cartilaginous obstruction of the Eustachian tube, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of extrinsic cartilaginous obstruction of the Eustachian tube?

Common causes include allergic reactions, infections, anatomical abnormalities, and external pressure changes.