ICD-10-CM Codes for Laryngitis: Acute (J04.0) and Chronic (J04.1)

Laryngitis—inflammation of the larynx—is classified in ICD-10-CM by acuity and etiology.

Codes

• J04.0 – Acute laryngitis
  • Includes: acute edematous laryngitis, acute obstructive laryngitis, acute suppurative laryngitis
  • Typically viral (parainfluenza, influenza, RSV); may be bacterial superinfection
  • Duration < 3 weeks
• J04.1 – Chronic laryngitis
  • Includes: chronic hypertrophic laryngitis, chronic atrophic laryngitis, Reinke's edema, vocal cord nodules/polyps (if inflammatory)
  • Duration > 3 weeks; associated with voice abuse, smoking, GERD, chronic sinusitis, allergies, irritants

Related/Excluded Codes

• J04.2 – Acute laryngotracheitis (croup)
• J05.0 – Acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] (use J05.0 for croup)
• J37.0 – Chronic laryngitis (older ICD-9 category; now J04.1)
• C32.- – Malignant neoplasm of larynx (not inflammatory)
• J38.0–J38.7 – Other diseases of vocal cords/larynx (paralysis, polyp, edema not elsewhere classified)

Coding Tips

• Code to highest specificity: document acuity (acute vs. chronic) and etiology if known (e.g., J04.0 + B34.8 for viral).
• If laryngitis is due to GERD, code both: K21.9 (GERD) + J04.1.
• For post-intubation laryngitis, use J04.0 with Y84.8 (complication of procedure).
• Excludes1: J05.0 (croup) – do not code J04.0 with J05.0.

Clinical Documentation

Document: onset/duration, etiology (viral, bacterial, irritant, reflux), laryngoscopic findings (edema, erythema, exudate, granulomas), and treatment response.