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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ35

J35

Chronic diseases of tonsils and adenoids

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J35 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic diseases of tonsils and adenoids.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic diseases of the tonsils and adenoids, classified under ICD-10 code J35, encompass conditions such as chronic tonsillitis and adenoid hypertrophy. Clinically, patients may present with recurrent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, and obstructive sleep apnea due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. The tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissues located in the oropharynx and nasopharynx, respectively, playing a role in immune response. Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to hypertrophy, resulting in airway obstruction and respiratory complications. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies to assess the size of the tonsils and adenoids. In some cases, a sleep study may be warranted to evaluate for obstructive sleep apnea. Management typically involves conservative measures, such as antibiotics for infections, and may escalate to surgical intervention (tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy) in cases of significant obstruction or recurrent infections.

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 acute conditions as chronic.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the history of recurrent infections is not clearly stated.
  • Billing challenges can occur if the medical necessity for surgery 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

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 Codes

Child Codes

9 codes
J35.0
Chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis
J35.01
Chronic tonsillitis
J35.02
Chronic adenoiditis
J35.03
Chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis
J35.1
Hypertrophy of tonsils
J35.2
Hypertrophy of adenoids
J35.3
Hypertrophy of tonsils with hypertrophy of adenoids
J35.8
Other chronic diseases of tonsils and adenoids
J35.9
Chronic disease of tonsils and adenoids, 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

Chronic diseases of the tonsils and adenoids significantly impact pediatric populations, affecting sleep quality, school performance, and overall health. These conditions can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical interventions. Understanding the epidemiology of these diseases is essential for developing quality measures and improving patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Chronic diseases of the tonsils and adenoids significantly impact pediatric populations, affecting sleep quality, school performance, and overall health. These conditions can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical interventions. Understanding the epidemiology of these diseases is essential for developing quality measures and improving patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for procedures like tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy is well-supported by clinical evidence. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of recurrent infections or failure to demonstrate the impact on the patient's quality of life. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes and ensuring that all relevant diagnostic tests are documented.

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?

J35 covers chronic tonsillitis, adenoid hypertrophy, and other chronic conditions affecting the tonsils and adenoids. These conditions are characterized by persistent inflammation and may lead to complications such as obstructive sleep apnea.

When should J35 be used instead of related codes?

J35 should be used when the condition is chronic and has been present for an extended period, leading to recurrent symptoms. It is distinct from acute conditions, which may be coded under J03 for acute tonsillitis.

What documentation supports J35?

Documentation should include a detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and any imaging studies performed. Evidence of recurrent infections or complications related to the tonsils and adenoids is crucial for supporting the use of J35.