HealthAssure
HealthAssureGood Life
ICD10

ICD-10 Code J38.0: Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx

J38.0 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. 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 paralysis of vocal cords and larynx in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

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.
  • This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter
10Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
block
J30-J39Other diseases of upper respiratory tract
category
J38Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified
currentJ38

Official coding notes

Inclusion terms
  • Laryngoplegia
  • Paralysis of glottis

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

PulmonologistGeneral Physician

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
J38.0
Replacement codes
J38.00 — Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, unspecifiedJ38.01 — Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, unilateralJ38.02 — Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, bilateral

Common synonyms

Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeJ38.0
SystemICD10
Display nameParalysis of vocal cords and larynx
ChapterDiseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
BlockOther diseases of upper respiratory tract

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

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.