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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.111

H68.111

Billable

Osseous obstruction of Eustachian tube, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.111 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osseous obstruction of eustachian tube, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube in the right ear refers to a condition where bone growth or abnormal bone formation obstructs the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This obstruction can lead to various complications, including chronic otitis media, hearing loss, and balance disorders. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, pain, hearing impairment, and recurrent ear infections. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies such as CT scans to visualize the bony structures and confirm the presence of obstruction. Management may include medical therapy to alleviate symptoms, such as decongestants or nasal corticosteroids, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the obstruction and restore normal Eustachian tube function. Understanding the underlying causes and appropriate treatment options is crucial for effective management of this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of Eustachian tube dysfunction
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting the ear
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging studies performed
  • Lack of clarity on the necessity of surgical intervention
  • Misclassification of the type of obstruction

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or post-surgical follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the type of obstruction and any surgical procedures performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric test results, patient history regarding hearing loss, and any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of hearing loss related to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Document the correlation between audiometric findings and the diagnosis of osseous obstruction.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.111 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition, including the specific ear affected
  • Include any relevant co
  • existing conditions that may impact treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.111 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy with tube placement

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for Eustachian tube obstruction.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all surgical notes are detailed and include the rationale for the procedure.

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 osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

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 osseous obstruction of the Eustachian tube?

Common symptoms include ear fullness, pain, hearing loss, and recurrent ear infections.

How is osseous obstruction diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies such as CT scans.

What treatment options are available for this condition?

Treatment may include medical management with decongestants or nasal corticosteroids, and surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases.