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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.122

H68.122

Billable

Intrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.122 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of intrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of eustachian tube, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Intrinsic cartilaginous obstruction of the Eustachian tube in the left ear refers to a condition where the cartilage structure of the Eustachian tube becomes obstructed, leading to impaired ventilation and drainage of the middle ear. This obstruction can result from various factors, including inflammation, infection, or structural abnormalities. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, hearing loss, tinnitus, and recurrent otitis media. The condition can lead to complications such as chronic otitis media or eustachian tube dysfunction, which may necessitate surgical intervention. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies if necessary. Management may include medical therapy with decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, or surgical options like balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube to restore normal function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the anatomical location (left ear)
  • Differentiation from other Eustachian tube disorders
  • Potential for co-existing conditions (e.g., otitis media)
  • Need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify laterality (left ear)
  • Misdiagnosis or coding of related conditions
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including history, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the specific nature of the obstruction and any associated conditions.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing hearing loss and its impact on daily functioning.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of hearing loss related to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Collaboration with otolaryngologists for comprehensive management of patients.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.122 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's specifics, including laterality and any associated diagnoses

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.122 When
  • Exclude conditions that do not meet the criteria for intrinsic obstruction

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69705CPT Code

Eustachian tube balloon dilation

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with diagnosis of H68.122 for patients requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure comprehensive documentation to support the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like H68.122, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like H68.122, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear disorders.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding conditions like H68.122, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear disorders.

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 associated with H68.122?

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

How is H68.122 diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation, audiometric testing, and sometimes imaging studies to assess the Eustachian tube.

What treatment options are available for H68.122?

Treatment may include medical management with decongestants and nasal corticosteroids, or surgical options like balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube.