ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code J35.9: Chronic disease of tonsils and adenoids, unspecified
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents chronic disease of tonsils and adenoids, unspecified in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
10Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
block
J30-J39Other diseases of upper respiratory tract
category
J35Chronic diseases of tonsils and adenoids
currentJ35
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Disease (chronic) of tonsils and adenoids NOS
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
PulmonologistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 275487003high
Chronic adenoid disease
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 275486007high
Chronic disease of tonsil
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 16358007high
Chronic disease of tonsils AND/OR adenoids
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 2128005high
Disorder of adenoid
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 418973007high
Disorder of lingual tonsil
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 23023009high
Disorder of tonsil (palatine tonsil)
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
J35.9
Common synonyms
Chronic disease of tonsils and adenoids, unspecifiedChronic disease of tonsils and adenoids
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.