ICD-10 Code J37 – Chronic laryngitis and laryngotracheitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J37 – Chronic laryngitis and laryngotracheitis
What it is
J37 identifies chronic inflammation of the larynx, with or without tracheal involvement. Use it when the record describes a persistent, nonacute laryngeal or laryngotracheal condition.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ongoing hoarseness, voice fatigue, throat irritation, or chronic cough. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and any laryngeal examination results.
When to use this code
Use J37 when the provider documents chronic laryngitis, chronic laryngotracheitis, or a long-standing inflammatory disorder of the larynx/trachea. It fits outpatient and inpatient records when the condition is current and not described as acute. If the note is unclear, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use J37 for acute laryngitis, acute tracheitis, or a transient hoarseness episode without chronic inflammation. Check documentation if the diagnosis is mixed, unspecified, or attributed to another cause.
Coding tip
Verify that the provider specifically documents chronic disease, because “hoarseness” alone is not enough for J37.