Is ICD-10-CM code J38 billable?

No, J38 (Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified) 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 J38 belong to?

J38 belongs to Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: J00–J99 (Diseases of the Respiratory System).

J38Not billable, use a more specific code below

Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified

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

10 billable codes under J38: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

congenital laryngeal stridor (P28.89)
obstructive laryngitis (acute) (J05.0)
postprocedural subglottic stenosis (J95.5)
stridor (R06.1)
ulcerative laryngitis (J04.0)

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 J38

J38 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

J38 MS-DRGs

This code does not group to an MS-DRG as a principal diagnosis.

About the condition

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

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.

Voice Disorders

Voice is the sound made by air passing from your lungs through your larynx, or voice box. In your larynx are your vocal cords, two bands of muscle that vibrate to make sound. For most of us, our voices play a big part in who we are, what we do, and how we communicate. Like fingerprints, each person's voice is unique.

Code history

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