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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code H68.1
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H68.1

Obstruction of Eustachian tube

ICD-10-CM Code:
H68.1
ICD-10 Code for:
Obstruction of Eustachian tube
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
    (H60–H95)
    • Diseases of middle ear and mastoid
      (H65-H75)
      • Eustachian salpingitis and obstruction
        (H68)

H68.1 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of obstruction of eustachian tube. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Obstruction of Eustachian tube

Non-specific codes like H68.1 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for obstruction of eustachian tube:

  • H68.10 for Unspecified obstruction of Eustachian tube - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.101 for Unspecified obstruction of Eustachian tube, right ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.102 for Unspecified obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.103 for Unspecified obstruction of Eustachian tube, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.109 for Unspecified obstruction of Eustachian tube, unspecified ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • H68.11 for Osseous obstruction of Eustachian tube - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.111 for Osseous obstruction of Eustachian tube, right ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.112 for Osseous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.113 for Osseous obstruction of Eustachian tube, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.119 for Osseous obstruction of Eustachian tube, unspecified ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • H68.12 for Intrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.121 for Intrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, right ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.122 for Intrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.123 for Intrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.129 for Intrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, unspecified ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • H68.13 for Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.131 for Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, right ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.132 for Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, left ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.133 for Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H68.139 for Extrinsic cartilagenous obstruction of Eustachian tube, unspecified ear - BILLABLE CODE

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Inclusion Terms

Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
  • Stenosis of Eustachian tube
  • Stricture of Eustachian tube

Patient Education


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. The vibrations travel to your inner ear, a snail-shaped organ. The inner ear makes the nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. Your brain recognizes them as sounds. The inner ear also controls balance.

A variety of conditions may affect your hearing or balance:

  • Ear infections are the most common illness in infants and young children.
  • Tinnitus, a roaring in your ears, can be the result of loud noises, medicines or a variety of other causes.
  • Meniere's disease may be the result of fluid problems in your inner ear; its symptoms include tinnitus and dizziness.
  • Ear barotrauma is an injury to your ear because of changes in barometric (air) or water pressure.

Some ear disorders can result in hearing disorders and deafness.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.