2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J03Acute tonsillitis
J03 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for acute tonsillitis, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as J03.00, J03.01, J03.80, and J03.81.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Acute tonsillitisOverview
Non-specific codes like J03 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
J03.0 for Streptococcal tonsillitis
Use J03.00 for Acute streptococcal tonsillitis, unspecified
Use J03.01 for Acute recurrent streptococcal tonsillitis
J03.8 for Acute tonsillitis due to other specified organisms
Use J03.80 for Acute tonsillitis due to other specified organisms
Use J03.81 for Acute recurrent tonsillitis due to other specified organisms
J03.9 for Acute tonsillitis, unspecified
Use J03.90 for Acute tonsillitis, unspecified
Use J03.91 for Acute recurrent tonsillitis, unspecified
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Type 1 Excludes
- acute sore throat J02
- hypertrophy of tonsils J35.1
- peritonsillar abscess J36
- sore throat NOS J02.9
- streptococcal sore throat J02.0
Type 2 Excludes
- chronic tonsillitis J35.0
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 Tonsillitis
an acute inflammation of the tonsils caused by viruses or bacteria. signs and symptoms include fever, enlargement of the tonsils, difficulty swallowing, and enlargement of the regional lymph nodes.
Patient EducationClinical
Tonsillitis
Tonsils are lumps of tissue at the back of the throat. There are two of them, one on each side. Along with the adenoids, tonsils are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system clears away infection and keeps body fluids in balance. Tonsils and adenoids work by trapping the germs coming in through the mouth and nose.
The full article covers:
- What are tonsils?
- What is tonsillitis?
- What causes tonsillitis?
- Who is at risk for tonsillitis?
- Is tonsillitis contagious?
- What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
- When does my child need to see a health care provider for tonsillitis?
- How is tonsillitis diagnosed?
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
