Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: Eustachian tube dysfunction had a specific code in ICD-9, but I haven’t found one in ICD-10. My physicians are saying that H68.10~ (Eustachian tube obstruction) is the closest approximation, but ET obstruction is not a commonly used medical term in this specialty. I tend to think that “dysfunction” is equivalent to “disorder” and a non-specific term. What’s the best option?

Washington Subscriber

Answer: You’re on the right track when thinking of “disorder” being similar to “dysfunction.” Because ICD-10 does not have a straight cross-over code for ICD-9’s 381.81 (Dysfunction of Eustachian tube), the best approximations come from the H69.8 family:

• H69.80 – Other specified disorders of Eustachian tube, unspecified ear
• H69.81 – Other specified disorders of Eustachian tube, right ear
• H69.82 – Other specified disorders of Eustachian tube, left ear
• H69.83 – Other specified disorders of Eustachian tube, bilateral.

Be sure your physicians know to document the affected ear so you can choose a more specific code than “unspecified.”