ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code
J38.0Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx
J38.0 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 3 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 J38.0
J38.0 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for paralysis of vocal cords and larynx. It belongs to category J38 (diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified), 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 3 subcodes must be used instead.
Within J38 (diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified), J38.0 is specifically for paralysis of vocal cords and larynx. Related codes cover polyp of vocal cord and larynx (J38.1), Nodules of vocal cords (J38.2), other diseases of vocal cords (J38.3), edema of larynx (J38.4), laryngeal spasm (J38.5), stenosis of larynx (J38.6) and other diseases of larynx (J38.7).
To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: J38.00 (unspecified), J38.01 (unilateral) and J38.02 (bilateral).
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 J38.0
Coding notes
- Laryngoplegia
- Paralysis of glottis
Notes that apply from higher levels
Instructions written at a parent level also apply to J38.0.
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 J38.0
Is J38.0 billable?
- No. J38.0 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.