icd code for vocal cord lesion

by Elyssa Mueller 10 min read

J38. 2 - Nodules of vocal cords. ICD-10-CM.

What causes vocal cord lesions?

Vocal Cord Lesions

  • Types of vocal cord lesions. Vocal cord nodules (singer's nodes, screamer's nodes). ...
  • Symptoms of vocal cord lesions. A change in voice quality and persistent hoarseness are often the first warning signs of a vocal cord lesion.
  • Detection and diagnosis. ...
  • Treatment of benign vocal cord lesions. ...
  • We Can Help. ...

How can vocal cord nodules and polyps be prevented?

Treatment for vocal cord nodules

  • Pharmaceutical treatments. In some cases, patients need to undergo pharmaceutical treatments to reduce the impact on their vocal cords.
  • Vocal care. This kind of therapy consists of learning about appropriate oral hygiene, eliminating abuses of the vocal cords, using a healthy tone and volume, and breathing for good vocal ...
  • Other treatments. ...

How are vocal cord nodules and polyps diagnosed?

What are the symptoms?

  • Voice changes
  • Limited singing range. Singers can have a hard time reaching higher octaves because nodules reduce their range. Some people lose their voice entirely.
  • Pain. Pain is another common symptom of nodules.
  • Other symptoms. You should see a doctor if you’re hoarse or you’ve had other symptoms of vocal nodules for more than two or three weeks.

How serious is vocal cord paralysis?

This then can result in accidentally swallowing lungs resulting in dangerous health issues. Some problems resulting in this health issue are viral infection, cancer or surgery. Paralysis of the vocal cord can lead to a very serious problem making it difficult to breathe as well as swallowing. Choking while eating food or drinking.

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How do you code vocal cord lesions?

Nodules of vocal cordsJ38. 2 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM J38. 2 became effective on October 1, 2021.This is the American ICD-10-CM version of J38. 2 - other international versions of ICD-10 J38. 2 may differ.

What is a vocal cord lesion?

The term vocal cord lesion or vocal fold lesion refers to a group of noncancerous (benign), abnormal growths (lesions) within or along the covering of the vocal cord. Vocal cord lesions are one of the most common causes of voice problems.

What is the diagnosis code for vocal cord dysfunction?

J38. 3 - Other diseases of vocal cords. ICD-10-CM.

What is the ICD-10 code for vocal cord polyp?

ICD-10 code J38. 1 for Polyp of vocal cord and larynx is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the respiratory system .

What is vocal cord nodules?

Vocal cord nodules (referred to as “vocal fold” nodules by physicians) are growths that form on the vocal cords. These bumps are benign (noncancerous) and are similar to calluses that can form on the hands. Nodules affect girls and boys of any age, and are a common cause of voice issues in both children and adults.

What is Singers nodule?

Vocal nodules are growths or bumps that form on your vocal cords. These growths are not cancerous. They're more like calluses that form on your vocal cords. Vocal nodules can make your voice crack or cut out when you're talking. They can also make you sound raspy or hoarse.

What is the ICD-10 code for vocal cord mass?

J38. 2 - Nodules of vocal cords. ICD-10-CM.

What is vocal cord paralysis?

Vocal cord paralysis occurs when the nerve impulses to your voice box (larynx) are interrupted. This results in paralysis of your vocal cord muscle. Vocal cord paralysis can affect your ability to speak and even breathe. That's because your vocal cords, sometimes called vocal folds, do more than just produce sound.

What is the name of the vocal cords?

In humans, vocal cords, also known as vocal folds or voice reeds, are folds of throat tissues that are key in creating sounds through vocalization.

What causes polyps on the vocal cords?

Causes of Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps Most of the time, vocal abuse or misuse causes nodules. Long-term vocal abuse can cause polyps, too. But polyps may happen after just one instance of vocal abuse, like yelling at a concert. Smoking cigarettes for a long time, thyroid problems, and reflux may also cause polyps.

What are Arytenoids?

The arytenoid cartilages are paired pyramid-shaped structures of cartilage found in the larynx, which are essential to the production of vocal sound. They are located on the lateral part of the superior border of the lamina of the cricoid cartilage and help form the cricoarytenoid joints.

What is the CPT code for laryngoscopy?

Laryngoscopy procedures are coded using CPT 31505-31579.

How to code a lesion?

To code a lesion, select the appropriate site or type from the Alphabetic Index under Lesion. When a definitive diagnosis has been made for a mass, lesion, or tumor (e.g., Warthin’s tumor), search for the specific diagnosis code.

What are primary lesions?

Primary or initial lesions include macules, vesicles, blebs or bullae, chancres, pustules, papules, tubercles, wheals, and tumors. Secondary lesions are the result of primary lesions. They may be crusts, excoriations, fissures, pigmentations, scales, scars, and ulcers. Diffuse lesion: A lesion spreading over a large area.

What is the code for a mass?

Without a definitive diagnosis, a mass is coded from Chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings, Not Elsewhere Classified (R00-R99).#N#When the provider refers to the condition as a tumor, growth, neoplasm, or new growth, without having obtained a definitive diagnosis, code selection is taken from category D49 Neoplasms of unspecified behavior of the Neoplasm section of the ICD-10-CM code book.#N#D49 differs from categories D37-D44 and D48 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other and unspecified sites in that the “histologic confirmation whether the neoplasm is malignant or benign cannot be made.” The operative phrase is “histologic confirmation.” In other words, the specimen has been observed, probably by a pathologist, who is unable to determine whether the specimen is malignant or benign. In such a case, code selection is from D37-D44 and D48.#N#If the results of a biopsy are positive, a malignant code is selected from the Neoplasm section of the ICD-10-CM code book; if the results are negative, a benign code is selected.#N#When the provider states that a specimen has been submitted for pathological identification due to suspicion of malignancy or for a lymphoma protocol, it’s an indication that you will code the biopsy results from the Neoplasm section. The provider is having the specimen tested to determine if the cells are cancerous. The lymph nodes are often biopsied as well to determine whether the primary malignancy has spread. Nearby lymph nodes are removed if the pathologic examination reveals malignancy. Codes for the lymph node biopsy results are found in the Neoplasm section.#N#Keep in mind that a pathological specimen is not submitted with every tissue excision; and in such cases, the diagnoses the provider has documented on the operative report are the diagnoses for that encounter. When in doubt, the best practice is to query the provider.

What is diagnostic coding?

Diagnostic Coding and Reporting Guidelines for Outpatient Services. Codes that describe symptoms and signs. Codes that describe symptoms and signs, as opposed to diagnoses, are acceptable for reporting purposes when a diagnosis has not been established (confirmed) by the provider.

What is a focal lesion?

Focal lesion: A lesion of a small definite area. Gross lesion: A lesion visible to the eye without the aid of a microscope. Lesions are not isolated to the skin; there are also vascular lesions (vascular malformations of the venous, arterial, and lymphatic systems, i.e., infantile hemangiomas).

The ICD code J382 is used to code Vocal fold nodule

A vocal fold nodule is a mass of tissue that grows on a vocal fold. Typically this mass appears on the junction of the anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of the vocal fold, where contact is most forceful.

Coding Notes for J38.2 Info for medical coders on how to properly use this ICD-10 code

Inclusion Terms are a list of concepts for which a specific code is used. The list of Inclusion Terms is useful for determining the correct code in some cases, but the list is not necessarily exhaustive.

MS-DRG Mapping

DRG Group #011-013 - Tracheostomy for face, mouth and neck diagnoses with MCC.

ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index References for 'J38.2 - Nodules of vocal cords'

The ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index links the below-listed medical terms to the ICD code J38.2. Click on any term below to browse the alphabetical index.

Equivalent ICD-9 Code GENERAL EQUIVALENCE MAPPINGS (GEM)

This is the official approximate match mapping between ICD9 and ICD10, as provided by the General Equivalency mapping crosswalk. This means that while there is no exact mapping between this ICD10 code J38.2 and a single ICD9 code, 478.5 is an approximate match for comparison and conversion purposes.

Coding Notes for J38.3 Info for medical coders on how to properly use this ICD-10 code

Inclusion Terms are a list of concepts for which a specific code is used. The list of Inclusion Terms is useful for determining the correct code in some cases, but the list is not necessarily exhaustive.

MS-DRG Mapping

DRG Group #011-013 - Tracheostomy for face, mouth and neck diagnoses with MCC.

ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index References for 'J38.3 - Other diseases of vocal cords'

The ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index links the below-listed medical terms to the ICD code J38.3. Click on any term below to browse the alphabetical index.

Equivalent ICD-9 Code GENERAL EQUIVALENCE MAPPINGS (GEM)

This is the official approximate match mapping between ICD9 and ICD10, as provided by the General Equivalency mapping crosswalk. This means that while there is no exact mapping between this ICD10 code J38.3 and a single ICD9 code, 478.5 is an approximate match for comparison and conversion purposes.

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What Is The Difference Between Lesions, Masses, and Tumors?

Other Medical Terms You Should Know

  • To accurately identify lesions, masses, and tumors for diagnosis coding, you will need to know the meaning of the following terms: Neoplasm: An abnormal tissue mass resulting from abnormal cellular proliferation (neoplasia). The growth persists in an excessive manner, usually causing a lump or tumor. Neoplasms may be benign, pre-malignant, or malignant. Histology: The study of t…
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ICD-10-CM Categorizes Neoplasms Based on Behavior

  • Without a definitive diagnosis, a mass (or tumor) is coded from Chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings, Not Elsewhere Classified (R00-R99). When the provider refers to the condition as a tumor, growth, neoplasm, or new growth, without having obtained a definitive diagnosis, code selection is taken from category D49 Neoplasms of unspe…
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ICD-10-CM Guidelines

  • In the definition above, a tumor is referenced as a “mass.” According to the National Cancer Institute, a tumor is also called a “neoplasm.” This is important because ICD-10-CM states in the notes for D49, “The term ‘mass,’ unless otherwise stated, is not to be regarded as a neoplastic growth.” Look to ICD-10-CM Section II. Selection of Principal Diagnosis and Section IV. Diagnosti…
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Apply Your Knowledge

  • Review the operative report to determine what you are coding: DOS: 6/1/20XX Pre-operative Diagnosis: Vocal cord lesion Postoperative Diagnosis: Same Procedure: Biopsy Specimens: Vocal cord lesion Findings: Mass located at VC lesion Indication for Surgery: Vocal cord neoplasm Code this as a neoplasm because the term “neoplasm” is the indication for ...
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