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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesNasal Obstruction

Nasal Obstruction

ICD-10 Coding for Nasal Obstruction(J34.2, J34.3, R09.81)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYOtolaryngology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Nasal Obstruction?
Essential facts and insights about Nasal Obstruction

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Nasal congestion or blockage
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Mucosal swelling observed on endoscopy

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history of nasal symptoms
  • Results of nasal endoscopy or imaging studies
  • Detailed description of physical exam findings

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for specificity in coding nasal obstruction.
  • Common errors include using non-specific codes.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other upper respiratory conditions
  • Alternative codes for allergic rhinitis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
J34.2
Nasal obstruction due to structural abnormalities
J30.9
Allergic rhinitis, unspecified
Ancillary Codes
R09.81
Differential Codes
J34.3
J34.2
J30.9

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Otolaryngology

Specialty Applications

  • Adults and children with nasal symptoms
  • Otolaryngology clinics and emergency departments

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include patient history, physical exam findings, and diagnostic test results.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding based on specific diagnosis and associated symptoms.