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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. J00–J99
  4. J00-J06
  5. Acute pharyngitis (J02)

Acute pharyngitis (J02)

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.

Instructional Notations

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

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

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).