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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ35.3

J35.3

Hypertrophy of tonsils with hypertrophy of adenoids

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 J35.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hypertrophy of tonsils with hypertrophy of adenoids.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hypertrophy of tonsils with hypertrophy of adenoids is a condition characterized by the enlargement of both the palatine tonsils and the adenoid tissue located in the nasopharynx. Clinically, patients may present with obstructive symptoms such as snoring, sleep apnea, difficulty breathing, and recurrent respiratory infections. The anatomy involved includes the lymphatic tissues of the oropharynx and nasopharynx, which play a role in immune response. Disease progression can lead to chronic inflammation, obstructive sleep apnea, and potential complications such as impaired speech and swallowing difficulties. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, history of recurrent infections, and imaging studies if necessary, such as X-rays or CT scans to assess the size of the tonsils and adenoids. Treatment often involves conservative management, but surgical intervention, such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, may be indicated in severe cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical procedures and post-operative care.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed history and physical examination notes are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Must differentiate from other respiratory conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the condition as isolated tonsillar or adenoid hypertrophy.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding symptoms and treatment history.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if surgical procedures are not well-documented.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Hypertrophy of tonsils with hypertrophy of adenoids significantly impacts pediatric populations, contributing to sleep-disordered breathing and recurrent infections. This condition can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical interventions. Addressing this condition can improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance overall population health outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Hypertrophy of tonsils with hypertrophy of adenoids significantly impacts pediatric populations, contributing to sleep-disordered breathing and recurrent infections. This condition can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical interventions. Addressing this condition can improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance overall population health outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying that the procedure is medically necessary and supported by clinical evidence. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of pre-authorization for surgery. Coders should ensure that all relevant information is included in the medical record to support the diagnosis and any associated procedures.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by J35.3?

J35.3 covers cases where both the tonsils and adenoids are hypertrophied, leading to obstructive symptoms and recurrent infections. It is essential to document the presence of both conditions to justify the use of this code.

When should J35.3 be used instead of related codes?

J35.3 should be used when both tonsils and adenoids are enlarged, causing significant obstructive symptoms. If only one is affected, the appropriate code for that specific condition should be selected.

What documentation supports J35.3?

Documentation should include a detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, any imaging studies performed, and treatment plans. Notes should clearly indicate the diagnosis of hypertrophy of both tonsils and adenoids.