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ICD-10 Coding for Adenoidal Hypertrophy(J35.2, J35.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Adenoidal Hypertrophy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Enlarged AdenoidsAdenoid Enlargement

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Adenoidal Hypertrophy

J35.2-J35.3Primary Range

Hypertrophy of adenoids and tonsils

This range includes codes for hypertrophy of adenoids alone and in combination with tonsils.

Chronic diseases of tonsils and adenoids

Includes chronic adenoiditis, which must be differentiated from hypertrophy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J35.2Hypertrophy of adenoidsUse when adenoids are enlarged without tonsil involvement.
  • Nasopharyngoscopy showing ≥50% choanal obstruction
  • Lateral neck X-ray with airway-to-soft-palate ratio <0.5
J35.3Hypertrophy of tonsils with hypertrophy of adenoidsUse when both tonsils and adenoids are enlarged and contribute to symptoms.
  • Imaging showing ≥50% airway obstruction by both tonsils and adenoids

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for adenoidal hypertrophy

Essential facts and insights about Adenoidal Hypertrophy

The ICD-10 code for adenoidal hypertrophy is J35.2, used when adenoids are enlarged without tonsil involvement.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for adenoidal hypertrophy

Hypertrophy of adenoids
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Nasopharyngoscopy confirms adenoid hypertrophy

coding Criteria

  • Do not use if adenoiditis is present

Applicable To

  • Adenoid hypertrophy

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Nasopharyngoscopy showing ≥50% choanal obstruction
  • Lateral neck X-ray with airway-to-soft-palate ratio <0.5

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without objective obstruction data

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes objective findings of obstruction.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Obstructive sleep apnea (adult) (pediatric)

G47.33
Use when OSA is confirmed alongside adenoidal hypertrophy.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic adenoiditis

J35.0-
Presence of purulent drainage and recurrent infections

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Adenoidal Hypertrophy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J35.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Denial of reimbursement claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm with endoscopy or imaging, Train staff on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to insufficient documentation, Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with coding standards, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure nasopharyngoscopy or imaging confirms obstruction

Impact

Claims may be audited if obstruction is not clearly documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes objective findings.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Adenoidal Hypertrophy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Adenoidal Hypertrophy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Adenoidal Hypertrophy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Child with obstructive sleep apnea due to adenoidal hypertrophy

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Nasopharyngoscopy findings
  • Symptoms of nasal obstruction
  • Impact on sleep

Example Documentation

Assessment: Adenoid hypertrophy confirmed by nasopharyngoscopy with 80% obstruction. Plan: Adenoidectomy scheduled.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Large adenoids noted.
Good Documentation Example
Adenoid hypertrophy confirmed via nasopharyngoscopy with >75% choanal obstruction.
Explanation
The good example provides specific, objective findings supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Adenoidal Hypertrophy? Ask your questions below.

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