Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
ICD-10-CM J38 is the diagnosis code for Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified. This code falls under the section "Other diseases of upper respiratory tract" within Chapter 10 — Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as J38. They are mutually exclusive:
Understanding where J38 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, J38 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
J38 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
J38 is located in Section J30-J39 — "Other diseases of upper respiratory tract" within Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
J38 has 8 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: J38.0, J38.1, J38.2, J38.3, J38.4 and more.
Use J38 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified is J38.
No, J38 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
J38 is in Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Type 1 Excludes for J38 include: congenital laryngeal stridor (P28.89); obstructive laryngitis (acute) (J05.0); postprocedural subglottic stenosis (J95.5) and more.
Yes, J38 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.