2025 ICD-10-CM code J35.0
Chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis.
Medical necessity for treatment of chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis is established by documentation of chronic or recurrent symptoms that significantly impact the patient's quality of life and/or health, such as recurrent infections, difficulty breathing or swallowing, sleep apnea, or other related complications.
- Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
- J35 - Chronic diseases of tonsils and adenoidsJ35.0 - Chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditisJ35.01 - Chronic tonsillitisJ35.02 - Chronic adenoiditisJ35.03 - Chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis
In simple words: This code refers to long-lasting inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids.
Chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis is a long-term inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids.
Example 1: A patient presents with a history of recurrent sore throats and difficulty swallowing. Upon examination, the tonsils are enlarged and inflamed, and the adenoids are also enlarged. The patient is diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis., A child has persistent nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. Examination reveals enlarged and inflamed adenoids. The child is diagnosed with chronic adenoiditis., An adult experiences chronic sore throat, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing. Upon examination, the tonsils are found to be enlarged and cryptic, indicating chronic tonsillitis. The adenoids are not enlarged.
Documentation should include history of recurrent or persistent symptoms, physical examination findings (e.g., enlarged or inflamed tonsils and/or adenoids), and any relevant diagnostic tests.
** Excludes2: acute tonsillitis (J03.-).
- Specialties:Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital