Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: A 35-year-old patient came into our pulmonology practice presenting symptoms of a weak, raspy voice and throat pain. The patient is a teacher and sings in a band on the weekends. Their symptoms have persisted for about 2 weeks. Our pulmonologist performed a direct laryngoscopy to examine the patient’s throat and vocal cords. After evaluating the patient, the physician diagnosed them with acute laryngitis.

What codes do I need to report for this visit?

Arizona Subscriber

Answer: You’ll assign CPT^® code 31525 (Laryngoscopy direct, with or without tracheoscopy; diagnostic, except newborn) for the direct laryngoscopy procedure. For the diagnosis, you’ll assign J04.0 (Acute laryngitis) to your report.

ICD-10-CM code J04.0 also features several synonyms, including Edematous laryngitis (acute), Laryngitis (acute) NOS, Subglottic laryngitis (acute), Suppurative laryngitis (acute), and Ulcerative laryngitis (acute). Additionally, J04.0 features an Excludes1 note that doesn’t allow you to code J05.0 (Acute obstructive laryngitis [croup]) with J04.0. An Excludes2 note for J37.0 (Chronic laryngitis) means you will assign the code along with J04.0 if the patient is experiencing both conditions simultaneously.

Parent code note: The parent code J04 (Acute laryngitis and tracheitis) boasts a Code also note to include the appropriate influenza code, if applicable.