2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J38Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified

ICD-10-CM Codes›J00–J99›J30-J39›J38

ICD-10-CM J38
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

J38 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as J38.00, J38.01, J38.02, and J38.1.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
J38
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified
Chapter
J30-J39
Other diseases of upper respiratory tract

Code Classification

ChapterJ00–J99Diseases of the respiratory system
SectionJ30-J39Other diseases of upper respiratory tract
CategoryJ38Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified
This CodeJ38Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified

Specific Coding for Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classifiedOverview

Non-specific codes like J38 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • J38.0 for Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx

  • Use J38.00 for Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, unspecified

  • Use J38.01 for Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, unilateral

  • Use J38.02 for Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, bilateral

  • Use J38.1 for Polyp of vocal cord and larynx

  • Use J38.2 for Nodules of vocal cords

  • Use J38.3 for Other diseases of vocal cords

  • Use J38.4 for Edema of larynx

  • Use J38.5 for Laryngeal spasm

  • Use J38.6 for Stenosis of larynx

  • Use J38.7 for Other diseases of larynx

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Type 1 Excludes

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

Patient EducationClinical

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.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About J38Overview

Is J38 (Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified need a more specific code from this category, such as J38.00, J38.01, and J38.02.