ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ33

J33

Nasal polyp

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J33 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of nasal polyp.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nasal polyps are benign, soft, painless growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They are often associated with chronic inflammation due to conditions such as asthma, allergies, or recurrent sinus infections. Clinically, patients may present with nasal obstruction, reduced sense of smell, facial pain, and postnasal drip. The anatomy involved includes the nasal mucosa and the paranasal sinuses, where polyps can obstruct airflow and drainage. Disease progression can lead to chronic sinusitis and may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history, physical examination, and may include nasal endoscopy or imaging studies such as CT scans to assess the extent of the polyps and rule out other conditions. Treatment options range from intranasal corticosteroids to surgical intervention, depending on the severity and impact on the patient's quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassifying nasal polyps as sinusitis.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the relationship between polyps and other respiratory conditions is not clearly established.
  • Billing challenges can occur if the necessity for surgical intervention is 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

Allergy and Immunology

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 Codes

Child Codes

4 codes
J33.0
Polyp of nasal cavity
J33.1
Polypoid sinus degeneration
J33.8
Other polyp of sinus
J33.9
Nasal polyp, unspecified

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

Nasal polyps significantly impact patient quality of life, contributing to chronic nasal obstruction and sinusitis, which can lead to increased healthcare utilization. They are prevalent in populations with asthma and allergic rhinitis, making them a public health concern. Effective management of nasal polyps can improve respiratory function and overall health outcomes, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Nasal polyps significantly impact patient quality of life, contributing to chronic nasal obstruction and sinusitis, which can lead to increased healthcare utilization. They are prevalent in populations with asthma and allergic rhinitis, making them a public health concern. Effective management of nasal polyps can improve respiratory function and overall health outcomes, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the patient's insurance policy, which may have specific requirements for prior authorization for surgical procedures. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the medical necessity for treatment. Best practices include thorough documentation of symptoms, treatment history, and response to therapy, as well as clear communication with payers regarding the necessity of procedures performed.

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 J33?

J33 specifically covers nasal polyps, which can be classified as unilateral or bilateral. It does not include other types of nasal growths or conditions such as nasal tumors or sinusitis.

When should J33 be used instead of related codes?

J33 should be used when the primary diagnosis is nasal polyps, particularly when they are the main cause of symptoms or when they necessitate treatment. If the primary issue is chronic sinusitis without polyps, then J32 should be considered.

What documentation supports J33?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, results from nasal endoscopy, imaging studies, and any treatment plans or responses to therapy.