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 CodesJ33.0

J33.0

Polyp of nasal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J33.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of polyp of nasal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

J33.0 refers to a polyp of the nasal cavity, which is a benign growth that arises from the mucous membrane lining the nasal passages. Clinically, these polyps may present as nasal obstruction, loss of smell, and sinus pressure, often associated with chronic rhinosinusitis or allergic rhinitis. The anatomy involved includes the nasal cavity, which is divided into the right and left sides by the nasal septum, and the surrounding sinuses that may also be affected. Disease progression can vary; while some patients may experience stable symptoms, others may have recurrent polyps leading to chronic nasal congestion and sinus infections. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough history and physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and imaging studies such as CT scans to assess the extent of the polyps and rule out other conditions. The presence of nasal polyps is often linked to asthma and aspirin sensitivity, making it essential to evaluate the patient's overall respiratory health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires imaging and endoscopic evaluation.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, involving medical management and possibly surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed clinical notes and imaging reports.
  • Coding specificity: Moderate, as it is specific to nasal cavity polyps but may require additional codes for associated conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of nasal polyps as sinus polyps.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of symptoms and treatment plans.
  • Billing challenges: Denials may occur if the medical necessity is not clearly 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 CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of J33.0 lies in its association with chronic respiratory conditions, impacting patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. Nasal polyps can lead to increased rates of sinus infections and asthma exacerbations, contributing to higher healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology of nasal polyps, which are more prevalent in individuals with asthma and allergies, is crucial for population health management and developing targeted interventions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of J33.0 lies in its association with chronic respiratory conditions, impacting patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. Nasal polyps can lead to increased rates of sinus infections and asthma exacerbations, contributing to higher healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology of nasal polyps, which are more prevalent in individuals with asthma and allergies, is crucial for population health management and developing targeted interventions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for procedures such as nasal endoscopy or polypectomy is clearly documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the need for surgical intervention. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes and ensuring that all relevant codes are accurately reported to reflect the patient's condition and treatment.

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 J33.0?

J33.0 specifically covers nasal polyps that are not associated with other conditions such as cystic fibrosis or neoplasms. It is important to differentiate between types of nasal polyps, as they may have different underlying causes and treatment approaches.

When should J33.0 be used instead of related codes?

J33.0 should be used when the primary diagnosis is a polyp located in the nasal cavity without involvement of the sinuses. If the polyp is located in the sinus or if there are multiple polyps affecting both the nasal cavity and sinuses, related codes such as J33.1 may be more appropriate.

What documentation supports J33.0?

Documentation should include a detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, results from nasal endoscopy, and any imaging studies performed. It is also important to document any associated conditions such as asthma or allergies.