Acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis (J05) ICD-10-CM
The J05 code range covers acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis with 5 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 3 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Code Also
A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
- , influenza, if present, such as:
- influenza due to identified novel influenza A virus with other respiratory manifestations J09.X2
- influenza due to other identified influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations J10.1
- influenza due to unidentified influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations J11.1
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
Codes in the J05 Range 5 codes · 3 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J05 range.
Epiglottis
A thin leaf-shaped cartilage that is covered with LARYNGEAL MUCOSA and situated posterior to the root of the tongue and HYOID BONE. During swallowing, the epiglottis folds back over the larynx inlet thus prevents foods from entering the airway.
Epiglottitis
Inflammation of the EPIGLOTTIS.
About the J05 Code Range
ICD-10 code J05 covers acute obstructive laryngitis, commonly known as croup, and epiglottitis, which are serious respiratory conditions causing airway swelling and potential obstruction. These codes help specify the type and severity of these upper airway infections.
The ICD-10 code for acute obstructive laryngitis (J05.0) includes conditions known by several names such as croup, acute laryngotracheitis, and recurrent allergic croup. This coding is essential for documenting infections leading to airway blockage in children and adults. Meanwhile, codes J05.10 and J05.11 distinguish acute epiglottitis without and with airway obstruction. Epiglottitis, sometimes called bacterial or viral epiglottitis and linked to terms like Haemophilus influenzae epiglottitis, involves inflammation of the epiglottis that can dangerously block breathing. The distinction between obstruction presence guides treatment urgency and billing. Overall, these codes ensure accurate identification of causes of upper respiratory blockage, aiding in clinical management and effective medical documentation.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J05 range?
Of the 5 codes in this range, 3 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the J05 range classify?
The range classifies acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
