Peritonsillar abscess (J36) ICD-10-CM
The J36 code range covers peritonsillar abscess with 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 1 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.
- abscess of tonsil
- peritonsillar cellulitis
- quinsy
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
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.
Codes in the J36 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- J36 Peritonsillar abscess
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J36 range.
Peritonsillar Abscess
An accumulation of purulent material in the area between the PALATINE TONSIL and its capsule.
About the J36 Code Range
A peritonsillar abscess is a pocket of pus between a tonsil and its outer covering. J36 is the category for this condition among other diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J36 range?
Of the 1 codes in this range, 1 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 J36 range classify?
The range classifies peritonsillar abscess. 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.
