Facebook tracking pixelSubglottic Stenosis - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation
J38.6
ICD-10-CM
Subglottic Stenosis

Find comprehensive information on subglottic stenosis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (J38.5, J38.6), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about subglottic stenosis symptoms, treatment options, and long-term management strategies for both pediatric and adult patients. Explore relevant medical terminology, clinical findings, and diagnostic criteria for accurate documentation and coding of subglottic stenosis in healthcare settings.

Also known as

Subglottic Narrowing
Laryngeal Stenosis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Narrowing of the airway below the vocal cords.
  • Clinical Signs : Noisy breathing (stridor), difficulty breathing, recurrent croup.
  • Common Settings : Pediatric hospitals, otolaryngology clinics, intensive care units.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC J38.6 Coding
J38.5

Laryngeal stenosis

Narrowing of the larynx, including the subglottic area.

J38.6

Other diseases of larynx

May include subglottic stenosis if not otherwise specified.

J04.0

Acute laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx which can sometimes cause stenosis.

J39.8

Other respiratory diseases

A less specific code for respiratory issues potentially related to stenosis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the subglottic stenosis congenital?

  • Yes

    Code Q31.3 Congenital subglottic stenosis

  • No

    Is it due to intubation/tracheostomy?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Narrowing below vocal cords
Vocal cord paralysis
Laryngomalacia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Subglottic stenosis diagnosis: ICD-10 J38.6
  • Document symptom onset and duration
  • Describe stridor, dyspnea, respiratory distress
  • Endoscopy/imaging findings: location, severity
  • Airway assessment: degree of obstruction

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Cause

    Coding subglottic stenosis without specifying congenital or acquired origin leads to inaccurate data and potential DRG misassignment.

  • Severity Documentation

    Lack of clear documentation of stenosis severity (e.g., mild, moderate, severe) impacts coding accuracy and reimbursement.

  • Procedure Coding Errors

    Incorrect coding for procedures related to subglottic stenosis (e.g., dilation, tracheostomy) can lead to claim denials.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document flexible laryngoscopy findings for ICD-10 J38.6 accuracy.
  • Code J38.6 with supporting clinical indicators for compliance.
  • CDI: Query for symptom onset, severity, and etiology for J38.6.
  • For tracheostomy dependence, add Z99.11, enhancing CDI.
  • Regular endoscopic assessments improve Subglottic Stenosis management.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify dyspnea, stridor, or weak cry. ICD-10: J38.6, J38.5
  • 2. Confirm history of intubation or neck trauma. Doc: ET tube size, duration.
  • 3. Evaluate airway with endoscopy/imaging. CPT: 31575, 70490
  • 4. Assess breathing difficulty severity. Doc: respiratory rate, O2 sat.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Subglottic Stenosis reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (J38.5) and CPT coding for procedures like dilation or tracheostomy.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Length of Stay (LOS), readmission rates, and patient-reported breathing outcomes.
  • Coding errors can lead to claim denials, impacting hospital revenue cycle and case mix index.
  • Accurate documentation of severity and interventions is crucial for appropriate reimbursement under DRGs.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code J38.6 for subglottic stenosis
  • Document stenosis severity
  • Laterality impacts coding
  • Specify acquired vs congenital
  • Check for tracheostomy status

Documentation Templates

Subglottic stenosis diagnosed.  Patient presents with symptoms consistent with subglottic airway obstruction, including dyspnea, stridor, and exercise intolerance.  Onset of symptoms was gradual, reported as progressively worsening over the past [number] months.  Patient denies any history of intubation or tracheostomy.  Physical examination reveals audible inspiratory stridor.  Flexible laryngoscopy demonstrates a concentric narrowing of the subglottic airway, estimated at [percentage] stenosis.  Differential diagnosis considered laryngomalacia, vocal cord paralysis, and foreign body aspiration.  Diagnosis of subglottic stenosis confirmed by endoscopic evaluation.  Severity of subglottic stenosis classified as [Cotton-Myer grade].  Treatment plan includes close monitoring of airway symptoms and pulmonary function tests.  Patient education provided regarding signs and symptoms of respiratory distress.  Referral to pediatric otolaryngologist for further evaluation and consideration for endoscopic dilation or surgical intervention.  ICD-10 code J38.5, subglottic stenosis, assigned.  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to assess respiratory status and treatment response.