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 2026, 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.
Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the throat (PHARYNX).
Pharynx
A funnel-shaped fibromuscular tube that conducts food to the ESOPHAGUS, and air to the LARYNX and LUNGS. It is located posterior to the NASAL CAVITY; ORAL CAVITY; and LARYNX, and extends from the SKULL BASE to the inferior border of the CRICOID CARTILAGE anteriorly and to the inferior border of the C6 vertebra posteriorly. It is divided into the NASOPHARYNX; OROPHARYNX; and HYPOPHARYNX (laryngopharynx).
About the J02 Code Range
The ICD-10 codes under J02 are used to classify different types of acute pharyngitis, which is sudden inflammation of the throat. These codes help pinpoint the cause, whether bacterial, viral, or unspecified, to guide proper diagnosis and treatment.
J02.0 is specifically for streptococcal pharyngitis, also known by terms like streptococcal sore throat or acute bacterial pharyngitis. This distinction is important because streptococcal infections often require antibiotic treatment. Meanwhile, J02.8 covers acute pharyngitis caused by other known organisms, including viral types such as adenoviral pharyngitis or respiratory syncytial virus pharyngitis, and bacterial causes like staphylococcal pharyngitis. For cases where the cause is not identified, J02.9 is used, covering a broad range of throat inflammation symptoms, from a simple sore throat to more severe forms like ulcerative pharyngitis. Knowing the correct ICD-10 code for acute pharyngitis facilitates precise medical coding and efficient patient care management.
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, 2025 through September 30, 2026. 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 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
