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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.011

H68.011

Billable

Acute Eustachian salpingitis, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.011 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute eustachian salpingitis, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute Eustachian salpingitis refers to the inflammation of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This condition is characterized by acute onset and is often associated with upper respiratory infections, allergies, or sinusitis. Patients typically present with symptoms such as ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and possible hearing loss. The right ear is specifically affected in this code, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by patient history and physical examination, including otoscopic evaluation. Management may involve symptomatic relief with analgesics, decongestants, or nasal corticosteroids, and in some cases, antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. Understanding the underlying causes and associated conditions is essential for effective treatment and prevention of recurrence.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the affected ear (right ear)
  • Differentiation from other Eustachian tube disorders
  • Potential overlap with other ear conditions (e.g., otitis media)
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misdiagnosis or coding of similar conditions
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

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, fullness, and hearing loss following upper respiratory infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the acute nature of the condition and any associated treatments.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including recent illnesses and allergies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute ear symptoms following a cold or allergy flare-up.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the rationale for treatment choices and any referrals to specialists.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.011 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, this code should be used when the condition is acute and specifically affects the right ear
  • It is important to document the acute nature of the condition and any relevant symptoms or treatments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.011 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

When a patient presents with ear pain and cerumen impaction is suspected.

Documentation Requirements

Document the presence of cerumen and the procedure performed.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure in conjunction with evaluating Eustachian tube function.

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 plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of healthcare outcomes and resource allocation.

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 plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of healthcare outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of healthcare outcomes and resource allocation.

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, and possible hearing loss, often following upper respiratory infections or allergies.