HealthAssure
HealthAssureGood Life
ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code J38.3: Other diseases of vocal cords

J38.3 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Other diseases of vocal cords in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. 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).

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 other diseases of vocal cords 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
J38Diseases of vocal cords and larynx, not elsewhere classified
currentJ38

Official coding notes

Inclusion terms
  • Abscess of vocal cords
  • Cellulitis of vocal cords
  • Granuloma of vocal cords
  • Leukokeratosis of vocal cords
  • Leukoplakia of vocal cords

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

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 96105high
ASSESSMENT OF APHASIA (INCLUDES ASSESSMENT OF EXPRESSIVE AND RECEPTIVE SPEECH AND LANGUAGE FUNCTION, LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION, SPEECH PRODUCTION ABILITY, READING, SPELLING, WRITING, EG, BY BOSTON DIAGNOSTIC APHASIA EXAMINATION) WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT, PER HOUR
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 92524high
BEHAVIORAL AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VOICE AND RESONANCE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 96113high
DEVELOPMENTAL TEST ADMINISTRATION (INCLUDING ASSESSMENT OF FINE AND/OR GROSS MOTOR, LANGUAGE, COGNITIVE LEVEL, SOCIAL, MEMORY AND/OR EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS BY STANDARDIZED DEVELOPMENTAL INSTRUMENTS WHEN PERFORMED), BY PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL, WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT; EACH ADDITIONAL 30 MINUTES (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 96112high
DEVELOPMENTAL TEST ADMINISTRATION (INCLUDING ASSESSMENT OF FINE AND/OR GROSS MOTOR, LANGUAGE, COGNITIVE LEVEL, SOCIAL, MEMORY AND/OR EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS BY STANDARDIZED DEVELOPMENTAL INSTRUMENTS WHEN PERFORMED), BY PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL, WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT; FIRST HOUR
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 92608high
EVALUATION FOR PRESCRIPTION FOR SPEECH-GENERATING AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION DEVICE, FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE PATIENT; EACH ADDITIONAL 30 MINUTES (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 92607high
EVALUATION FOR PRESCRIPTION FOR SPEECH-GENERATING AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION DEVICE, FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE PATIENT; FIRST HOUR
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
J38.3

Common synonyms

Other diseases of vocal cords

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeJ38.3
SystemICD10
Display nameOther diseases of vocal cords
ChapterDiseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
BlockOther diseases of upper respiratory tract

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Cellulitis(diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)Cicatrix(adherent) (contracted) (painful) (vicious)Disease, diseasedDysphoniaFixationGranulomaHyperkeratosisHypertrophy, hypertrophicInflammation, inflamed, inflammatory(with exudation)KeratosisLeukokeratosis

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.