2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H68.132Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear

ICD-10-CM Codes›H60–H95›H65-H75›H68

ICD-10-CM H68.132
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

H68.132 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 154 through 156. Coders also document this condition as cartilaginous eustachian tube obstruction. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Diseases of middle ear and mastoid (except otitis media).

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
H68.132
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear
Short Description
Extrinsic cartilagenous obst of eustach tube, left ear
Parent Code
H68.13
Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube

Code Classification

ChapterH60–H95Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
SectionH65-H75Diseases of middle ear and mastoid
CategoryH68Eustachian salpingitis and obstruction
This CodeH68.132Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Cartilaginous eustachian tube obstruction
  • Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of eustachian tube
  • Extrinsic obstruction of left cartilaginous eustachian tube
  • Obstruction of Eustachian tube
  • Obstruction of left Eustachian tube

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR EAR002
Diseases of middle ear and mastoid (except otitis media)
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Ear Disorders

Your ear has three main parts: outer, middle and inner. You use all of them in hearing. Sound waves come in through your outer ear. They reach your middle ear, where they make your eardrum vibrate. The vibrations are transmitted through three tiny bones, called ossicles, in your middle ear.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert H68.132 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
381.63 Extrinsic eustach obstr
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About H68.132Overview

Is H68.132 (Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does H68.132 group to?

When extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 154, 155, 156, with relative weights from 0.6911 to 1.5635 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of H68.132?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear converts to ICD-9-CM 381.63 (extrinsic eustach obstr). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.