2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J02Acute pharyngitis
J02 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for acute pharyngitis, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as J02.0, J02.8, and J02.9.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Acute pharyngitisOverview
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Includes
- acute sore throat
Type 1 Excludes
- acute laryngopharyngitis J06.0
- peritonsillar abscess J36
- pharyngeal abscess J39.1
- retropharyngeal abscess J39.0
Type 2 Excludes
- chronic pharyngitis J31.2
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Clinical InformationClinical
Acute Pharyngitis
an acute and painful inflammatory process that affects the pharynx. it is usually caused by viruses and less often bacteria. signs and symptoms include discomfort on swallowing, low-grade fever, headache, and earache.
Patient EducationClinical
Sore Throat
Your throat is a tube that carries food to your esophagus and air to your windpipe and larynx (also called the voice box). The technical name for the throat is pharynx.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
