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J35.1
ICD-10-CM
Tonsillar Hypertrophy

Find comprehensive information on tonsillar hypertrophy, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (J35.0, J35.01, J35.02, J35.03), SNOMED CT codes, and medical coding guidelines. Learn about enlarged tonsils, tonsil grading scales, obstructive sleep apnea, and the diagnosis and treatment of tonsillar hypertrophy in children and adults. This resource supports healthcare professionals with accurate medical coding and complete clinical documentation for optimal patient care.

Also known as

Enlarged Tonsils
Tonsil Enlargement

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Enlarged tonsils, often due to infection or inflammation.
  • Clinical Signs : Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, snoring, sleep apnea.
  • Common Settings : Pediatric clinics, ENT offices, hospitals.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC J35.1 Coding
J35.0

Chronic tonsillitis

Chronic inflammation of the tonsils, often with hypertrophy.

J35.1

Hypertrophy of tonsils

Enlarged tonsils without current inflammation.

J35.8

Other diseases of tonsils

Tonsil conditions not otherwise specified, including possible hypertrophy.

J35.9

Disease of tonsils, unspecified

Unspecified tonsil condition, potentially including hypertrophy.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the tonsillar hypertrophy obstructive?

  • Yes

    Sleep apnea confirmed?

  • No

    Any inflammation/infection?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Enlarged tonsils
Tonsillitis
Adenotonsillar hypertrophy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document tonsillar size using Brodsky scale.
  • Describe tonsillar appearance (color, exudates).
  • Note any airway obstruction symptoms (sleep apnea, dysphagia).
  • Record associated infections (streptococcal pharyngitis).
  • Document treatment plan (watchful waiting, tonsillectomy).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding tonsillar hypertrophy without specifying unilateral or bilateral (e.g., using only J35.2) can lead to inaccurate reimbursement and data analysis.

  • Obstructive vs. Non-obstructive

    Failing to distinguish between obstructive (J35.2) and non-obstructive hypertrophy impacts severity coding and potential medical necessity reviews.

  • Missing Adenoid Diagnosis

    Concurrent adenoid hypertrophy (J35.3) often accompanies tonsillar hypertrophy. Missing this diagnosis impacts treatment coding and patient care.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document tonsil size using standardized scales (Brodsky, Friedman).
  • Code J35.03 for tonsillar hypertrophy; avoid unspecified codes.
  • For OSA, link tonsillar hypertrophy to polysomnography findings.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation lacks specificity.
  • Regular CDI audits ensure accurate coding and billing compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Snoring, apnea, mouth breathing? (ICD-10 J35.2)
  • Tonsil size documented? (CPT 42820-42836)
  • Swallowing/speech difficulty noted?
  • Assess airway obstruction risk (patient safety)
  • Consider polysomnography if sleep apnea suspected

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Tonsillar Hypertrophy reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM (J35.X) and CPT coding (42820-42836) for optimal payer contract compliance.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Surgical site infection rate (SSI), postoperative hemorrhage rate, readmission rates within 30 days.
  • Coding errors for tonsillar hypertrophy diagnosis affect Case Mix Index (CMI) accuracy and hospital revenue cycle management.
  • Documentation specificity crucial for appropriate severity level assignment, impacting MS-DRG assignment and reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code J35.x for Tonsillar Hypertrophy
  • Specify laterality: unilateral/bilateral
  • Document symptoms, exam findings
  • Consider obstruction level for J35.3
  • Link to OSA if present with J96.2x

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with tonsillar hypertrophy.  Symptoms include snoring, sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), mouth breathing, nasal obstruction, recurrent tonsillitis, or voice changes.  Physical examination reveals enlarged tonsils, potentially obstructing the airway, with or without evidence of tonsillar exudate, erythema, or crypts.  The tonsillar grading was assessed (Grade 1-4).  Differential diagnoses considered include adenoid hypertrophy, peritonsillar abscess, infectious mononucleosis, and other causes of upper airway obstruction.  The diagnosis of tonsillar hypertrophy was made based on clinical presentation and physical examination findings.  Treatment options discussed include watchful waiting, medical management such as nasal corticosteroids or antibiotics if indicated for concurrent infection, and surgical management such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy if symptoms are severe or persistent.  Patient education provided regarding the risks and benefits of each treatment option.  Follow-up scheduled to monitor symptom progression and treatment response.  ICD-10 code J35.0 (Chronic tonsillitis) or J35.1 (Hypertrophy of tonsils) is considered, depending on the presence of chronic inflammation.  CPT codes for potential procedures, such as tonsillectomy (42820, 42821, 42825, 42826) or adenoidectomy (42830, 42831, 42835, 42836), were reviewed and will be selected based on the chosen treatment plan.
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