ICD-10 Code H68.02 – Chronic Eustachian salpingitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H68.02 – Chronic Eustachian salpingitis
What it is
H68.02 identifies chronic inflammation of the Eustachian tube. Use it when the record describes a long-standing salpingitis affecting Eustachian tube function, not a brief or acute episode.
Clinical signs
Common findings include ear fullness, pressure, muffled hearing, or recurrent middle-ear dysfunction. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for confirmation of chronic Eustachian tube involvement.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents chronic Eustachian salpingitis or chronic Eustachian tube inflammation. It fits visits for persistent symptoms, chronic dysfunction, or follow-up of a documented long-term condition.
Code it only when the diagnosis is explicit or clearly supported in the note. Check documentation if the record instead describes otitis media, effusion, or nonspecific ear symptoms without chronic Eustachian tube disease.
Do not use for
Do not use H68.02 for acute Eustachian tube inflammation or for ear complaints without a documented chronic diagnosis. Check documentation if the condition is better described by another middle-ear disorder.
Coding tip
Look for the word “chronic” in the assessment, not just symptoms, before assigning H68.02.