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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.023

H68.023

Billable

Chronic Eustachian salpingitis, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.023 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic eustachian salpingitis, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic Eustachian salpingitis is a persistent inflammation of the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This condition can lead to dysfunction of the Eustachian tubes, resulting in negative pressure in the middle ear, fluid accumulation, and potential development of otitis media. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, hearing loss, tinnitus, and recurrent ear infections. The bilateral nature of this condition indicates that both Eustachian tubes are affected, which can complicate management and increase the risk of complications such as chronic otitis media or hearing impairment. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, otoscopic examination, and possibly audiometric testing to assess hearing loss. Management may include medical therapy such as nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, or antibiotics, and in some cases, surgical interventions like tympanostomy tube placement may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Bilateral specification requires careful documentation.
  • Differentiation from acute Eustachian salpingitis can be challenging.
  • Potential overlap with other ear conditions like otitis media.
  • Need for comprehensive patient history to support chronicity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity.
  • Failure to document bilateral involvement.
  • Lack of supporting evidence for treatment decisions.
  • Misclassification with acute conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, audiometric results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or post-nasal drip.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the chronic nature and bilateral involvement for accurate coding.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and symptom tracking.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with allergies or upper respiratory infections leading to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Documenting referrals to specialists and treatment responses is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.023 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the chronic nature and bilateral involvement
  • Include relevant symptoms and treatment history to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.023 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with chronic Eustachian salpingitis requiring drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for surgery and prior treatment attempts.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear justification for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like Eustachian salpingitis, 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 chronic conditions like Eustachian salpingitis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like Eustachian salpingitis, improving data accuracy and facilitating better patient management.

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 chronic Eustachian salpingitis?

Common symptoms include ear fullness, hearing loss, tinnitus, and recurrent ear infections. Patients may also experience discomfort or pressure in the ears.