ICD-10-CM J38: Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified

ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code (2025)

Official Description for J38

Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified

Coding Notes & Guidelines for J38

Excludes1: Not Coded Here
  • congenital laryngeal stridor (P28.89)
  • obstructive laryngitis (acute) (J05.0)
  • postprocedural subglottic stenosis (J95.5)
  • stridor (R06.1)
  • ulcerative laryngitis (J04.0)
Excludes1: Not Coded Here

adenomatous polyps (D14.1)

Excludes1: Not Coded Here
  • acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] (J05.0)
  • edematous laryngitis (J04.0)
Inclusion Terms
  • Laryngoplegia
  • Paralysis of glottis
Inclusion Terms
  • Chorditis (fibrinous)(nodosa)(tuberosa)
  • Singer's nodes
  • Teacher's nodes
Inclusion Terms
  • Abscess of vocal cords
  • Cellulitis of vocal cords
  • Granuloma of vocal cords
  • Leukokeratosis of vocal cords
  • Leukoplakia of vocal cords
Inclusion Terms
  • Edema (of) glottis
  • Subglottic edema
  • Supraglottic edema
Inclusion Terms

Laryngismus (stridulus)

Inclusion Terms
  • Abscess of larynx
  • Cellulitis of larynx
  • Disease of larynx NOS
  • Necrosis of larynx
  • Pachyderma of larynx
  • Perichondritis of larynx
  • Ulcer of larynx

Child Codes (More Specific Codes for J38):

J38.0 - Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx J38.00 - Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, unspecified J38.01 - Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, unilateral J38.02 - Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, bilateral J38.1 - Polyp of vocal cord and larynx J38.2 - Nodules of vocal cords J38.3 - Other diseases of vocal cords J38.4 - Edema of larynx J38.5 - Laryngeal spasm J38.6 - Stenosis of larynx J38.7 - Other diseases of larynx

About ICD-10-CM Code J38 (Diseases of vocal cords and larynx)

ICD-10-CM code J38 is a billable or specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM J38 became effective on October 1, 2024.

This page provides detailed information about J38 - Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified. It includes common terminology, coding guidelines such as "Includes," "Excludes1," and "Excludes2" notes, and information on required 7th characters. Utilizing this information correctly is essential for accurate medical coding and claims submission for conditions like Diseases of vocal cords and larynx related to not elsewhere classified.