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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.002

H68.002

Billable

Unspecified Eustachian salpingitis, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.002 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified eustachian salpingitis, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified Eustachian salpingitis refers to inflammation of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, specifically affecting the left ear. This condition can result from various etiologies, including infections, allergies, or environmental factors. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, discomfort, hearing loss, and sometimes tinnitus. The inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, causing negative pressure in the middle ear, which may predispose the patient to otitis media. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, often supplemented by audiometric testing and tympanometry to assess middle ear function. Management may include decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. In chronic cases, surgical interventions such as tympanostomy tube placement may be considered to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for differentiation from other ear conditions
  • Potential for overlapping diagnoses (e.g., otitis media)
  • Documentation requirements for specifying the left ear

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify laterality
  • Misdiagnosis or coding of related conditions
  • Lack of supporting documentation for treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and any imaging or audiometric tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the left ear involvement and any prior treatments or interventions.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including allergy history and prior ear issues, along with treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of ear pain or fullness, referral to specialists.

Billing Considerations

Document any conservative management strategies attempted before referral.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.002 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • The code H68
  • 002 should be used when the specific cause of Eustachian salpingitis is not determined

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.002 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 chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery and prior treatments attempted.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all pre-operative evaluations are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H68.002 provides a clear designation for unspecified Eustachian salpingitis, which aids in data collection and analysis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H68.002 provides a clear designation for unspecified Eustachian salpingitis, which aids in data collection and analysis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H68.002 provides a clear designation for unspecified Eustachian salpingitis, which aids in data collection and analysis.

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 Eustachian salpingitis?

Common symptoms include ear fullness, discomfort, hearing loss, and sometimes tinnitus. Patients may also report a sensation of pressure in the ear.