Acute pharyngitis (J02) ICD-10-CM
The J02 code range covers acute pharyngitis with 4 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 3 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- acute sore throat
Type 1 Excludes
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.
- acute laryngopharyngitis J06.0
- peritonsillar abscess J36
- pharyngeal abscess J39.1
- retropharyngeal abscess J39.0
Type 2 Excludes
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.
- chronic pharyngitis J31.2
Codes in the J02 Range 4 codes · 3 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J02 range.
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.
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the throat (PHARYNX).
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the throat due to Streptococcus pyogenes.
About the J02 Code Range
Acute pharyngitis is painful inflammation of the throat, often called a sore throat. It belongs to the acute upper respiratory infections.
The subdivisions distinguish streptococcal pharyngitis (J02.0), pharyngitis due to other specified organisms (J02.8), and unspecified acute pharyngitis (J02.9).
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J02 range?
Of the 4 codes in this range, 3 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the J02 range classify?
The range classifies acute pharyngitis. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
