ICD-10 Code H68.009 – Unspecified Eustachian salpingitis, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H68.009 – Unspecified Eustachian salpingitis, unspecified ear
What it is
H68.009 identifies inflammation of the Eustachian tube when the ear side is not specified. Use it when the record documents Eustachian salpingitis but does not identify right or left ear.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, notes may describe ear fullness, pressure, muffled hearing, or discomfort related to Eustachian tube inflammation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents Eustachian salpingitis and does not specify the affected ear. It also fits cases where laterality is unavailable in the note or cannot be confirmed from the record.
If the documentation names a specific ear, select the laterality-specific code instead. Check documentation when the term is used loosely for Eustachian tube dysfunction or another middle ear disorder.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for otitis media, nonspecific ear pain, or Eustachian tube dysfunction without salpingitis. If the condition is described differently, code the documented diagnosis.
Coding tip
Confirm whether the provider documented right, left, or unspecified ear before assigning H68.009.