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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH68.131

H68.131

Billable

Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H68.131 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of eustachian tube, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of the Eustachian tube in the right ear refers to a blockage caused by external factors affecting the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. This condition can lead to impaired ventilation and drainage of the middle ear, resulting in symptoms such as ear fullness, discomfort, and potential hearing loss. The obstruction may arise from various sources, including inflammatory processes, neoplasms, or anatomical variations. Clinically, patients may present with otitis media, characterized by ear pain, fever, and hearing impairment. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies to assess the Eustachian tube's patency and surrounding structures. Management may include medical therapy, such as decongestants or corticosteroids, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the obstruction and restore normal function. Understanding the underlying cause of the obstruction is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of recurrent ear infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of ear anatomy and function
  • Differentiation from other Eustachian tube disorders
  • Potential for co-existing conditions like otitis media
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and interventions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the obstruction's cause
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or conditions
  • Misuse of codes for similar conditions
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and results of any imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or chronic otitis media.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the obstruction's nature and any surgical interventions performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and assessments of hearing loss related to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hearing loss attributed to Eustachian tube obstruction.

Billing Considerations

Document the correlation between Eustachian tube dysfunction and audiometric findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H68.131 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding and reporting, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's specifics
  • Include any relevant co
  • existing conditions and specify the laterality of the obstruction

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H68.131 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with Eustachian tube obstruction requires placement of tympanostomy tubes.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and any pre-operative evaluations.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the procedure performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Eustachian tube disorders, improving the ability to capture the nuances of conditions like extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction. This specificity aids in better patient management and more accurate reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Eustachian tube disorders, improving the ability to capture the nuances of conditions like extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction. This specificity aids in better patient management and more accurate reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of the Eustachian tube?

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

How is extrinsic obstruction of the Eustachian tube diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a detailed patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as CT scans to visualize the obstruction.

What treatment options are available for this condition?

Treatment may include medical management with decongestants or corticosteroids, and surgical options such as tympanostomy or removal of the obstructing mass.

Can this condition lead to hearing loss?

Yes, if left untreated, extrinsic obstruction can lead to fluid accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss.