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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. J00–J99
  4. J00-J06
  5. Acute tonsillitis (J03)

Acute tonsillitis (J03)

ICD-10 code J03 covers various forms of acute tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils often caused by bacterial infections. This group includes specific types caused by streptococcal bacteria and other organisms, as well as recurrent and unspecified cases.

The ICD-10 code for acute tonsillitis is J03, and it branches into more detailed codes to help medical coders accurately classify the condition. For example, J03.0 refers specifically to streptococcal tonsillitis, including common synonyms such as "streptococcal sore throat" and "acute bacterial pharyngitis." When the cause is other known bacteria, like staphylococci or fusobacteria, J03.8 or J03.80 are used, encompassing conditions like "necrobacillosis" and "gangrenous tonsillitis." If the tonsillitis recurs frequently, recurrent forms are coded under J03.01 or J03.81, depending on the organism. Cases where the cause is unspecified or not confirmed fall under J03.9 or its subcodes, which cover a variety of synonyms like "suppurative tonsillitis," "acute viral pharyngitis," and "follicular tonsillitis." These codes help healthcare professionals and coders differentiate between bacterial and viral causes, specify recurrence, and accurately document acuity for treatment and billing purposes.

Instructional Notations

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 sore throat J02
  • hypertrophy of tonsils J35.1
  • peritonsillar abscess J36
  • sore throat NOS J02.9
  • streptococcal sore throat J02.0

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 tonsillitis J35.0

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.

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils, especially the PALATINE TONSILS but the ADENOIDS (pharyngeal tonsils) and lingual tonsils may also be involved. Tonsillitis usually is caused by bacterial infection. Tonsillitis may be acute, chronic, or recurrent.