Other diseases of upper respiratory tract
ICD-10 Codes (69)
J31J31.0J31.1J31.2J32J32.0J32.1J32.2J32.3J32.4J32.8J32.9J33J33.0J33.1J33.8J33.9J34J34.0J34.1J34.2J34.3J34.8J34.81J34.82J34.820J34.8200J34.8201J34.8202J34.821J34.8210J34.8211J34.8212J34.829J34.89J34.9J35J35.0J35.01J35.02J35.03J35.1J35.2J35.3J35.8J35.9J36J37J37.0J37.1J38J38.0J38.00J38.01J38.02J38.1J38.2J38.3J38.4J38.5J38.6J38.7J39J39.0J39.1J39.2J39.3J39.8J39.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (1)
Revised Codes (2)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for J30-J39 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 category J30-J39 encompasses a range of conditions related to the upper respiratory tract, excluding the nose and throat. This includes diagnoses such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, pharyngitis, and diseases of the vocal cords and larynx. These codes are used to document conditions that affect the patient's breathing, voice, or overall respiratory health.
Key Usage Points:
- •J30-J39 codes are used for chronic conditions, not acute episodes.
- •J32 codes, for example, should be used for chronic sinusitis irrespective of the sinus involved.
- •J34 codes are used for other disorders of nose and nasal sinuses.
- •J38 codes are used for diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified.
- •J39 codes are used for other diseases of upper respiratory tract.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with chronic sinusitis.
- ✓When a patient has a disease of the vocal cords or larynx.
- ✓When a patient has a non-specific disease affecting the upper respiratory tract.
- ✓When a patient has a nasal polyp.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗For acute respiratory conditions.
- ✗For diseases of the nose and throat.
- ✗For respiratory conditions that have their own specific codes.
- ✗For lower respiratory tract diseases.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions and check the patient's medical record for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for J30-J39 codes should accurately reflect the patient's diagnosis, the chronic nature of the condition, and any related complications or comorbidities. The specific area of the upper respiratory tract affected should also be clearly documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Chronicity of the condition
- •Affected area of the upper respiratory tract
- •Any related complications or comorbidities
- •Treatment plan
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Laboratory or imaging results
- •Notes on patient's response to treatment
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with chronic laryngitis, affecting vocal cords. Condition has persisted for 6 months despite treatment. Plan to refer to ENT specialist.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has throat issue.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the chronicity of the condition
- ⚠Failing to document the specific area affected
- ⚠Not including information on related complications or comorbidities
- ⚠Using an acute condition code for a chronic condition
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of coding for J30-J39 is considered medium due to the need to accurately determine the chronicity of the condition, identify the specific area affected, distinguish between similar conditions, and identify any related complications or comorbidities. Additionally, coders must navigate various exclusions and specific code requirements.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining chronicity of the condition
- ▸Identifying the specific area affected
- ▸Distinguishing between similar conditions
- ▸Identifying related complications or comorbidities
- ▸Navigating exclusions and specific code requirements
Specialty Focus
These codes are commonly used in primary care, otolaryngology, and pulmonology. They are used to document chronic conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract, including the sinuses, vocal cords, and larynx.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • Patient with chronic sinusitis not responding to treatment
- • Patient with vocal cord polyps affecting speech
- • Patient with chronic laryngitis
- • Patient with deviated nasal septum causing breathing issues
- • Patient with adenoid hypertrophy causing obstructive sleep apnea
Resources & References
Resources for coding J30-J39 include the official ICD-10-CM guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources from professional coding organizations.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- AHA Coding Clinic
- CMS ICD-10 Provider Resources
Clinical References:
- UpToDate
- Medscape
Educational Materials:
- AAPC ICD-10 Training
- AHIMA ICD-10 Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a J30-J39 code for an acute condition?
No, these codes are specifically for chronic conditions. Acute conditions have their own specific codes in other sections of the ICD-10.