ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Airways: Procedure Code Group Overview

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) code group BB0D includes procedures performed to image respiratory system structures in the upper airways. These ICD-10-PCS codes are used for inpatient documentation when plain radiographic imaging of the upper airway is performed to evaluate anatomy or pathology. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-PCS BB0D group is essential for proper inpatient reimbursement, as it captures the imaging procedure performed and supports clinical documentation accuracy.

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Upper Airways Plain Radiography Procedure Overview

This procedure group includes plain radiographic imaging of the upper airways within the respiratory system using external ionizing radiation captured on photographic or photoconductive plates. Procedures in this group produce planar images of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, and adjacent airway structures to evaluate anatomy and detect pathology. Accurate ICD-10-PCS coding of these imaging procedures ensures proper inpatient documentation and supports correct case mix and reimbursement.

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
B	Section	Imaging
B	Body System	Respiratory System
0	Operation	Plain Radiography
D	Body Part	Upper Airways

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Airways: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Upper Airways Plain Radiography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
B	Section	Imaging
B	Body System	Respiratory System
0	Operation	Plain Radiography
D	Body Part	Upper Airways

When to Use

Use a code from this group when plain radiographic imaging of the upper airways is performed during an inpatient encounter to evaluate airway anatomy or suspected pathology. These codes apply when planar images are obtained using external ionizing radiation on photographic or photoconductive plates.

ICD-10-PCS Codes

1 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
BB0DZZZ	Plain Radiography of Upper Airways

Typical Clinical Scenarios

A middle-aged patient is admitted from the emergency department with acute stridor and progressive hoarseness after recent upper respiratory infection. Clinicians request plain radiographic imaging of the nasopharynx and larynx to evaluate airway patency and detect possible supraglottic swelling or epiglottitis contributing to the obstructive symptoms. The imaging is performed urgently to guide airway management decisions during the inpatient stay. Typical codes: BB0DZZZ
An elderly inpatient with known history of recurrent nasal polyps and chronic sinus disease is scheduled for diagnostic evaluation after worsening nasal obstruction and suspected extension into the nasopharynx. Plain radiography of the upper airways is obtained preoperatively to document anatomy and extent of disease affecting the nasopharynx and oropharynx as part of inpatient surgical planning. The imaging helps corroborate endoscopic findings and supports the operative record. Typical codes: BB0DZZZ
A patient admitted for aspiration pneumonia develops newly noted inspiratory stridor and suspected subglottic stenosis from prior prolonged intubation. Plain radiographic imaging of the laryngeal and adjacent airway structures is performed to assess narrowing, anatomical changes, or possible complication related to prior airway instrumentation while the patient remains inpatient. Results assist clinicians in deciding on need for advanced airway intervention or further endoscopic evaluation. Typical codes: BB0DZZZ

ICD-10-PCS Code For Right Tracheobronchial Tree: Procedure Code Group Overview

BB08-LEFT-TRACHEOBRONCHIAL-PLAIN-RADIOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Left Tracheobronchial Tree: Procedure Code Group Overview

BB09-TRACHEOBRONCHIAL-TREES-PLAIN-RADIOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Tracheobronchial Trees: Procedure Code Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

1 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
BB0DZZZ	Plain Radiography of Upper Airways

Typical Clinical Scenarios

A middle-aged patient is admitted from the emergency department with acute stridor and progressive hoarseness after recent upper respiratory infection. Clinicians request plain radiographic imaging of the nasopharynx and larynx to evaluate airway patency and detect possible supraglottic swelling or epiglottitis contributing to the obstructive symptoms. The imaging is performed urgently to guide airway management decisions during the inpatient stay. Typical codes: BB0DZZZ
An elderly inpatient with known history of recurrent nasal polyps and chronic sinus disease is scheduled for diagnostic evaluation after worsening nasal obstruction and suspected extension into the nasopharynx. Plain radiography of the upper airways is obtained preoperatively to document anatomy and extent of disease affecting the nasopharynx and oropharynx as part of inpatient surgical planning. The imaging helps corroborate endoscopic findings and supports the operative record. Typical codes: BB0DZZZ
A patient admitted for aspiration pneumonia develops newly noted inspiratory stridor and suspected subglottic stenosis from prior prolonged intubation. Plain radiographic imaging of the laryngeal and adjacent airway structures is performed to assess narrowing, anatomical changes, or possible complication related to prior airway instrumentation while the patient remains inpatient. Results assist clinicians in deciding on need for advanced airway intervention or further endoscopic evaluation. Typical codes: BB0DZZZ

ICD-10-PCS Code For Right Tracheobronchial Tree: Procedure Code Group Overview

BB08-LEFT-TRACHEOBRONCHIAL-PLAIN-RADIOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Left Tracheobronchial Tree: Procedure Code Group Overview

BB09-TRACHEOBRONCHIAL-TREES-PLAIN-RADIOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Tracheobronchial Trees: Procedure Code Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Airways: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Upper Airways Plain Radiography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

OpenPayer

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Airways: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Airways: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Upper Airways Plain Radiography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Airways: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Airways: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Upper Airways Plain Radiography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Airways: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Airways: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Upper Airways Plain Radiography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which ICD-10-PCS code group covers plain radiography of the upper airways?

What body system and operation are represented by this procedure group?

Which anatomical areas are imaged under the BB0D procedure group?

How does accurate coding of `BB0DZZZ` affect inpatient documentation and reimbursement?

Are related DRGs listed for the BB0D plain radiography group?

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which ICD-10-PCS code group covers plain radiography of the upper airways?

What body system and operation are represented by this procedure group?

Which anatomical areas are imaged under the BB0D procedure group?

How does accurate coding of `BB0DZZZ` affect inpatient documentation and reimbursement?

Are related DRGs listed for the BB0D plain radiography group?

References