Is ICD-10-CM code J31 billable?

No, J31 (Chronic rhinitis, nasopharyngitis and pharyngitis) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code J31 belong to?

J31 belongs to Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: J00–J99 (Diseases of the Respiratory System).

J31Not billable, use a more specific code below

Chronic rhinitis, nasopharyngitis and pharyngitis

In Other diseases of upper respiratory tract (J30-J39), chapter 10: Diseases of the Respiratory System

3 billable codes under J31: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers COPD and asthma exacerbations, sequencing of acute respiratory failure, confirmed versus suspected identified influenza, ventilator associated pneumonia, and vaping-related disorders.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] and Asthma (page 56)
Acute Respiratory Failure (page 56)
Influenza due to certain identified influenza viruses (page 57)
Ventilator associated Pneumonia (page 57)
Vaping-related disorders (page 58)

Read Section I.C.10 (page 56)

All codes under J31

J31 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

J31 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under J31 group to MS-DRG 152 or 153 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 152 Otitis Media and URI with MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 153 Otitis Media and URI without MCC (1 of 3 codes)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Nose Injuries and Disorders

Your nose is important to your health. It filters the air you breathe, removing dust, germs, and irritants. It warms and moistens the air to keep your lungs and tubes that lead to them from drying out. Your nose also contains the nerve cells that help your sense of smell. When there is a problem with your nose, your whole body can suffer. For example, the stuffy nose of the common cold can make it hard for you to breathe, sleep, or get comfortable.

Throat Disorders

Your throat is a tube that carries food to your esophagus and air to your windpipe and larynx. The technical name for your throat is the pharynx. Throat problems are common. You've probably had a sore throat. The cause is usually a viral infection, but other causes include allergies, infection with strep bacteria or the leaking of stomach acids back up into the esophagus, called GERD.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.