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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH69.03

H69.03

Billable

Patulous Eustachian tube, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H69.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of patulous eustachian tube, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Patulous Eustachian tube (PET) is a condition characterized by an abnormally open Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This condition can lead to various auditory symptoms, including a sensation of fullness in the ear, autophony (hearing one's own voice loudly), and potential hearing loss. In bilateral cases, both Eustachian tubes are affected, which can exacerbate symptoms and complicate management. The condition may arise from various factors, including weight loss, hormonal changes, or anatomical variations. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, otoscopic examination, and possibly tympanometry or audiometry to assess middle ear function and hearing levels. Management strategies may include lifestyle modifications, nasal saline irrigation, or surgical interventions such as Eustachian tube balloon dilation in refractory cases. Understanding the nuances of this condition is crucial for accurate coding and effective patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Overlap with other Eustachian tube dysfunction codes
  • Need for precise documentation of bilateral involvement
  • Potential for misdiagnosis with other ear conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify bilateral involvement
  • Misuse of related codes for Eustachian tube dysfunction
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear fullness, autophony, or recurrent ear infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of bilateral symptoms and any diagnostic tests performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing hearing thresholds and tympanometry results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments due to suspected Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Document any correlation between audiometric findings and Eustachian tube status.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H69.03 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H69
  • 03 should be used when there is clear documentation of bilateral patulous Eustachian tubes
  • It is important to differentiate this from other Eustachian tube dysfunction codes and ensure that the bilateral nature is explicitly stated in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H69.03 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69705CPT Code

Eustachian tube balloon dilation

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where conservative management fails and surgical intervention is warranted.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of the patient's history and treatment response.

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 patulous Eustachian tube, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 a patulous Eustachian tube?

Common symptoms include a sensation of fullness in the ear, autophony, and potential hearing loss. Patients may also report discomfort during changes in altitude.