In simple words: This code refers to a long-term inflammation of the sinuses, but the specific sinus affected is not identified in the medical record.

Chronic sinusitis, unspecified. This code is used when the documentation does not specify which sinus is affected by chronic sinusitis.

Example 1: A patient presents with a persistent stuffy nose, facial pain, and headache for over 12 weeks. The physician documents "chronic sinusitis" but does not specify the affected sinus. The appropriate code is J32.9., A patient has a history of chronic sinusitis involving multiple sinuses. The current documentation states "chronic sinusitis, worsening," without further specifying the location. J32.9 is used., A patient with a known history of chronic maxillary sinusitis (J32.0) now presents with similar symptoms but imaging suggests the ethmoid sinus may also be involved. If the documentation does not explicitly identify the primary sinus, J32.9 may be applicable.

Documentation should include the duration of symptoms (at least 12 weeks for chronic sinusitis), clinical findings (e.g., facial pain, nasal congestion, headache), and any imaging or other diagnostic results.

** Use additional codes to identify any underlying conditions or infectious agents contributing to the chronic sinusitis.Consider using Z codes to document tobacco use or exposure, if relevant.