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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for Spasmodic croup

J38.5

Laryngeal spasm

✓ Billable / specific

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Croup, croupous (catarrhal) (infectious) (inflammatory) (nondiphtheritic) › spasmodic”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding Spasmodic croup

The ICD-10-CM code for Spasmodic croup is J38.5 (Laryngeal spasm). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on J38.5.

Within J38 (diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified), J38.5 is specifically for laryngeal spasm. Related codes cover paralysis of vocal cords and larynx (J38.0), 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), stenosis of larynx (J38.6) and other diseases of larynx (J38.7).

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 011 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCC, relative weight 5.6154), DRG 012 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CC, relative weight 4.381), DRG 013 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCC, relative weight 2.7307), DRG 154 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 1.5921), DRG 155 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 0.9322), DRG 156 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6659) and 2 more, in Pre-MDC, MDC 03 (Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat) and MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

More specific Spasmodic croup codes (official index)

  • diphtheritic A36.2 — Laryngeal diphtheria

Common questions about Spasmodic croup ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for Spasmodic croup?

J38.5 — Laryngeal spasm. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A36.2.

What is the ICD-10 code for diphtheritic spasmodic croup?

A36.2 — Laryngeal diphtheria.

Is J38.5 billable?

Yes. J38.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can J38.5 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict J38.5 as a principal diagnosis.

Is J38.5 a CC or MCC?

No. J38.5 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.