ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

J38Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified

Not billable — use a more specific code

J38 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 8 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About J38

J38 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified. It belongs to block J30-J39 (other diseases of upper respiratory tract) and chapter 10 (diseases of the respiratory system). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 8 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: J38.0 (larynx), J38.1 (larynx), J38.2 (cords), J38.3 (cords), J38.4 (larynx), J38.5 (spasm), J38.6 (larynx) and J38.7 (larynx).

Don't report J38 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: congenital laryngeal stridor (P28.89), obstructive laryngitis (acute) (J05.0), postprocedural subglottic stenosis (J95.5), stridor (R06.1) and 1 more.

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under J38

Coding notes

Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code

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

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to J38.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system.

Code history

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about J38

Is J38 billable?: No. J38 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.