ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code J38.4: Edema of larynx
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 edema of larynx 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
- Edema (of) glottis
- Subglottic edema
- Supraglottic edema
Excludes1 (do not code together)
- acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] (J05.0)
- edematous laryngitis (J04.0)
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
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 94642high
AEROSOL INHALATION OF PENTAMIDINE FOR PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA TREATMENT OR PROPHYLAXIS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94728high
AIRWAY RESISTANCE BY OSCILLOMETRY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
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 94450high
BREATHING RESPONSE TO HYPOXIA (HYPOXIA RESPONSE CURVE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94060high
BRONCHODILATION RESPONSIVENESS, SPIROMETRY AS IN 94010, PRE- AND POST-BRONCHODILATOR ADMINISTRATION
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 232437009high
Angioneurotic oedema of larynx
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 111278002high
Edema of glottis
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 51599000high
Edema of larynx
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 232438004high
Edema of larynx following radiotherapy
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 870733000high
Edema of vocal cord
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 232436000high
Reinke's edema
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
J38.4
Common synonyms
Edema of larynx
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.