ICD-10 Code H68.019 – Acute Eustachian salpingitis, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H68.019 – Acute Eustachian salpingitis, unspecified ear
What it is
H68.019 identifies an acute inflammation of the Eustachian tube, with the ear side not specified. Use it when documentation names acute Eustachian salpingitis but does not state right or left.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear fullness, pressure, muffled hearing, or discomfort related to Eustachian tube dysfunction. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute Eustachian salpingitis and does not identify the affected ear. It is also appropriate when laterality is unavailable in the record. If the note describes a different ear disorder, check documentation before assigning H68.019.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic Eustachian tube disease or for otitis media unless the record specifically supports acute Eustachian salpingitis. Check documentation.
Coding tip
If laterality is documented anywhere in the chart, code the specified ear instead of the unspecified code.