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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.01

H68.01

Billable

Acute Eustachian salpingitis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute eustachian salpingitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute Eustachian salpingitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms such as ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and potential hearing loss. Patients may also experience associated symptoms like nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and fever. The inflammation can result from infections, allergies, or irritants, leading to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube and subsequent middle ear pressure imbalance. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and possibly audiometric testing to assess hearing loss. Management may include symptomatic relief with analgesics, decongestants, or nasal corticosteroids, and in some cases, antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. In severe or recurrent cases, surgical interventions such as tympanostomy tube placement may be considered to facilitate drainage and ventilation of the middle ear.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic conditions
  • Identifying associated symptoms and comorbidities
  • Understanding the relationship with other ear conditions
  • Documentation of clinical findings and treatment plans

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and treatment
  • Misclassification of acute vs. chronic conditions
  • Failure to document associated conditions
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, hearing loss, or recurrent ear infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the acute nature of the condition and any interventions performed.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including allergy history and previous ear issues.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of ear pain or pressure, often before referral to specialists.

Billing Considerations

Document any conservative management strategies and patient education provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.01 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding respiratory and ear conditions
  • Ensure accurate documentation of the acute nature of the condition and any associated symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.01 When
  • Exclude conditions that do not meet the criteria for acute Eustachian salpingitis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of recurrent acute Eustachian salpingitis requiring drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for surgery and any prior treatments attempted.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the surgical necessity.

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. H68.01 provides a clear distinction for acute cases, aiding in better patient management and billing.

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. H68.01 provides a clear distinction for acute cases, aiding in better patient management and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 symptoms of acute Eustachian salpingitis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, nasal congestion, and sometimes fever.

How is acute Eustachian salpingitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, including patient history and physical examination, and may involve audiometric testing.

What treatments are available for acute Eustachian salpingitis?

Treatment may include analgesics, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. Surgical options may be considered for severe cases.