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ICD-10 Coding for Laryngomalacia(Q31.5)

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

Also known as:

Congenital laryngomalaciaLaryngotracheomalacia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Laryngomalacia

Q31-Q32Primary Range

Congenital malformations of larynx

This range includes congenital malformations of the larynx, including laryngomalacia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for congenital laryngomalacia

Essential facts and insights about Laryngomalacia

The ICD-10 code for congenital laryngomalacia is Q31.5, used when confirmed via endoscopy.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for laryngomalacia

Congenital laryngomalacia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Stridor onset within 2 weeks of birth

documentation Criteria

  • Endoscopic confirmation of supraglottic collapse

Applicable To

  • Laryngomalacia

Excludes

  • Acquired laryngomalacia (J38.7)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Stridor onset within 2 weeks of birth
  • Endoscopic confirmation of supraglottic collapse
  • Absence of acquired causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding acquired cases as congenital
  • Missing documentation of congenital nature

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'congenital' and includes endoscopic findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

K21.9
Use when GERD is documented alongside laryngomalacia.

Dyspnea

R06.0
Use for respiratory distress symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Congenital laryngeal stridor NOS

P28.89
Use when laryngomalacia is not confirmed by endoscopy.

Acquired laryngomalacia

J38.7
Use for laryngomalacia due to post-intubation or other acquired causes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Laryngomalacia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q31.5.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm congenital nature with endoscopy., Educate providers on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use J38.7 for acquired cases.

Impact

Claims without endoscopic confirmation may be audited.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all claims include documented endoscopic 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 Laryngomalacia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Laryngomalacia

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

Newborn with suspected laryngomalacia

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Stridor onset timing
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Endoscopic findings

Example Documentation

Pt is a 3-week-old male with inspiratory stridor since birth. Flexible laryngoscopy reveals collapse of aryepiglottic folds during inspiration, consistent with congenital laryngomalacia.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Infant with stridor.
Good Documentation Example
Inspiratory stridor since birth, worsened by feeding; flexible laryngoscopy shows omega-shaped epiglottis and redundant arytenoid mucosa.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and confirms congenital nature.

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

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