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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH69.0

H69.0

Billable

Patulous Eustachian tube

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H69.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of patulous eustachian tube.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Patulous Eustachian tube (PET) is a condition characterized by an abnormally open Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. This condition can lead to various auditory symptoms, including a sensation of fullness in the ear, autophony (hearing one's own voice amplified), and potential hearing loss. Patients may also experience discomfort due to pressure changes, particularly during activities such as swallowing or yawning. The condition is often associated with weight loss, dehydration, or hormonal changes, which can affect the mucosal lining of the Eustachian tube. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history and physical examination, often supplemented by audiometric testing and tympanometry to assess middle ear function. Management may include conservative measures such as nasal saline sprays, hydration, and in some cases, surgical interventions like Eustachian tube balloon dilation. Understanding the nuances of this condition is crucial for accurate coding and effective patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Overlap with other Eustachian tube dysfunction codes
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and interventions
  • Potential for misdiagnosis with other ear conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to link diagnosis with appropriate treatment
  • Misclassification with other Eustachian tube disorders
  • Lack of supporting audiometric or tympanometric data

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, audiometric results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with autophony, ear fullness, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the specific symptoms and any interventions performed.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with complaints of ear discomfort or hearing changes.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals to specialists and follow-up care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H69.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H69
  • 0 should be used when the Eustachian tube is specifically noted as patulous
  • It is important to document the clinical context and any associated symptoms to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H69.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69705CPT Code

Eustachian tube balloon dilation

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with persistent symptoms despite conservative management.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for procedure and prior treatments attempted.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure thorough pre-operative assessments.

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 patulous Eustachian tube, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like patulous Eustachian tube, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like patulous Eustachian tube, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management strategies.

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 a patulous Eustachian tube?

Common symptoms include autophony, ear fullness, and hearing loss, particularly during changes in altitude or pressure.