Chronic sinusitis (J32) ICD-10-CM
The J32 code range covers chronic sinusitis with 8 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 7 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- sinus abscess
- sinus empyema
- sinus infection
- sinus suppuration
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.
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- acute sinusitis J01
Codes in the J32 Range 8 codes · 7 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J32 range.
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis
Fungal infection in the PARANASAL SINUSES characterized by common allergy respiratory symptoms, recurrent NASAL POLYPS and/or ASTHMA with buildup of allergic MUCIN.
Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
Formation or presence of a blood clot (THROMBUS) in the CAVERNOUS SINUS of the brain. Infections of the paranasal sinuses and adjacent structures, CRANIOCEREBRAL TRAUMA, and THROMBOPHILIA are associated conditions. Clinical manifestations include dysfunction of cranial nerves III, IV, V, and VI, marked periorbital swelling, chemosis, fever, and visual loss. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p711)
Ethmoid Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the ETHMOID SINUS. It may present itself as an acute (infectious) or chronic (allergic) condition.
Frontal Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the FRONTAL SINUS. In many cases, it is caused by an infection of the bacteria STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE or HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE.
Maxillary Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the MAXILLARY SINUS. In many cases, it is caused by an infection of the bacteria HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE; STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE; or STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS.
Oral Fistula
An abnormal passage within the mouth communicating between two or more anatomical structures.
Oroantral Fistula
A fistula between the maxillary sinus and the oral cavity.
Rhinosinusitis
Obstruction of sinus drainage into the NASAL CAVITY and inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the PARANASAL SINUSES.
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in one or more of the PARANASAL SINUSES.
Sphenoid Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the SPHENOID SINUS. Isolated sphenoid sinusitis is uncommon. It usually occurs in conjunction with other paranasal sinusitis.
About the J32 Code Range
ICD-10 code section J32 is used to classify different types of chronic sinusitis, a prolonged inflammation of the sinuses lasting for weeks or longer. These codes help specify the affected sinus area, which is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
This section includes codes for particular forms of sinusitis: J32.0 for chronic maxillary sinusitis, also known as maxillary sinusitis or oral fistula; J32.1 for chronic frontal sinusitis, sometimes called frontal sinusitis or chronic frontoethmoidal sinusitis; J32.2 for chronic ethmoidal sinusitis, including anterior, posterior, and panethmoidal types; J32.3 for chronic sphenoidal sinusitis; and J32.4 for chronic pansinusitis, which affects all sinuses. Additionally, J32.8 covers other chronic sinusitis types, while J32.9 is for unspecified chronic sinusitis. The synonyms listed, such as eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis or fungal sinusitis, help clarify which conditions are included under these codes, making this ICD-10 code section essential for accurately coding persistent sinus infections and related complications.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J32 range?
Of the 8 codes in this range, 7 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 J32 range classify?
The range classifies chronic sinusitis. 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.
