Chronic diseases of tonsils and adenoids (J35)

The ICD-10 codes J35.0 through J35.9 are used to identify various chronic diseases of the tonsils and adenoids. These codes cover persistent conditions such as chronic tonsillitis, chronic adenoiditis, hypertrophy (enlargement), and other related chronic disorders affecting these lymphatic tissues.

These codes help medical coders and healthcare professionals classify long-term conditions like chronic tonsillitis (also known as chronic disease of tonsils or caseous tonsillitis) under J35.01, and chronic adenoiditis (also called chronic adenoid disease or chronic nasopharyngitis) under J35.02. When both tonsils and adenoids are affected by chronic inflammation, J35.03 is appropriate. Enlargement issues of the tonsils or adenoids are respectively coded with J35.1 and J35.2, while simultaneous hypertrophy of both is captured by J35.3. More unusual or less specified chronic issues, such as tonsillar cysts or pharyngeal ulcers, fall under J35.8. If the chronic condition is unspecified, J35.9 is used. Understanding synonyms and alternate names linked to these codes assists in selecting the correct diagnosis code for billing and documentation, ensuring clarity for conditions like adenotonsillitis, tonsillar hyperplasia, or adenoid facies.