J38.00 Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, unspecified
The ICD-10-CM code for Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, unspecified is J38.00 (FY2026). It is a billable, claim-ready diagnosis code.
Classification
- Section
- J30-J39: Other diseases of upper respiratory tract (J30-J39)
- Category J38
- 12 codes (10 billable)
- FY2026 Status
- Stable since FY2024
Also Known As
ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index entries that lead to J38.00:
- Laryngoplegia
- Gerhardt's › syndrome (vocal cord paralysis)
- Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › laryngeal nerve (recurrent) (superior) (unilateral)
- Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › glottis
- Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › vocal cords
- Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › larynx
- Compression › laryngeal nerve, recurrent › with paralysis of vocal cords and larynx
U.S. Hospital Utilization
- An estimated 10,135 U.S. inpatient stays in 2023 included J38.00 among the documented diagnoses.
- 125 stays listed it as the principal diagnosis.
Source: National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2016–2023. National survey-weighted estimates.
Official Coding Guidelines
COPD/asthma: acute exacerbation vs uncomplicateda. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] and Asthma 1) Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive bronchitis and asthma The codes in categories J44 and J45 distinguish between uncomplicated cases and those in acute exacerbation. An acute exacerbation is a worsening or a decompensation of a chronic condition. An acute exacerbation is not equivalent to an infection superimposed on a chronic condition, though an exacerbation may be triggered by an infection.
Acute respiratory failure as principal diagnosisb. Acute Respiratory Failure 1) Acute respiratory failure as principal diagnosis A code from subcategory J96.0, Acute respiratory failure, or subcategory J96.2, Acute and chronic respiratory failure, may be assigned as a principal diagnosis when it is the condition established after study to be chiefly responsible for occasioning the admission to the hospital, and the selection is supported by the Alphabetic Index and Tabular List. However, chapter- specific coding guidelines (such as obstetrics, poisoning, HIV, newborn) that provide sequencing direction take precedence.
Source: CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026