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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesAcute upper respiratory infectionsICD-10-CM j05-acute-obstructive-laryngitis-and-epiglottitis
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Obstructive Laryngitis And Epiglottitis: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group J05 includes acute obstructive laryngitis (croup) and epiglottitis, covering infections and inflammations of the larynx and supraglottic airway that may cause airway obstruction. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document presentations with upper airway inflammation, stridor, respiratory distress, and potential airway compromise. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM J05 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM J05: Acute Obstructive Laryngitis [Croup] And Epiglottitis Overview

    The ICD-10-CM J05 code group covers acute obstructive laryngitis, commonly called croup, and epiglottitis, which are infections of the upper airway that can cause partial or complete airway obstruction. These diagnoses target the larynx and supraglottic structures and often present with stridor, respiratory distress, or fever. Accurate coding matters for clinical documentation and reimbursement because it reflects the urgency and severity of airway compromise.

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    When to Use

    Use codes from this group when documenting patients with clinically diagnosed croup or epiglottitis presenting with stridor, respiratory distress, or signs of upper airway obstruction. Assign the most specific code available to reflect etiology, severity, and any complications affecting treatment and resource use.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    3 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    J05.0Acute obstructive laryngitis [croup]
    J05.10Acute epiglottitis without obstruction
    J05.11Acute epiglottitis with obstruction

    DRG Codes

    5 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    011Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCC
    012Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CC
    013Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCC
    152Otitis Media and URI with MCC
    153Otitis Media and URI without MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • An infant age 9 months presents to the emergency department at night with barking cough, inspiratory stridor, hoarseness, and low-grade fever after a recent upper respiratory infection. The child has visible respiratory distress with suprasternal retractions and oxygen saturation mildly decreased; lateral neck radiograph shows a steeple sign consistent with viral croup, prompting supportive measures and nebulized epinephrine. A diagnosis from this group is assigned for acute obstructive laryngitis (croup) due to viral inflammation of the subglottic airway. Typical codes: J05.0
    • A 4-year-old previously healthy child is brought to urgent care with sudden onset of high fever, severe sore throat, drooling, muffled voice, and sitting forward to breathe; the provider notes signs of airway compromise and requests immediate transfer to the emergency department. Because bacterial epiglottitis remains a concern until ruled out, the clinician documents acute epiglottitis and arranges for airway evaluation and close monitoring. A code from this group is used to capture the acute infectious inflammation of the epiglottis causing potential airway obstruction. Typical codes: J05.10, J05.11
    • An adult patient with known recurrent croup-like episodes associated with allergic rhinitis presents for outpatient follow-up after a recent severe exacerbation that required nebulized therapy but not intubation; the visit focuses on resolution of symptoms and counseling on triggers and follow-up. The clinician documents the recent acute obstructive laryngitis episode as part of the problem list to track recurrent acute events and guide preventive care. Typical codes: J05.0

    Related Codes

    J00-ACUTE-NASOPHARYNGITIS-COMMON-COLD

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Nasopharyngitis Common Cold: Group Overview

    J01-ACUTE-SINUSITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Sinusitis: Group Overview

    J02-ACUTE-PHARYNGITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Pharyngitis: Group Overview

    J03-ACUTE-TONSILLITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Tonsillitis: Group Overview

    J04-ACUTE-LARYNGITIS-AND-TRACHEITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Laryngitis And Tracheitis: Group Overview

    J06-ACUTE-UPPER-RESPIRATORY-INFECTIONS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Upper Respiratory Infections Of Multiple And Unspecified Sites: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 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. 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. 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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