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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesAcute upper respiratory infectionsICD-10-CM j02-acute-pharyngitis
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Pharyngitis: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group J02 includes acute pharyngitis diagnoses, covering infectious and inflammatory conditions of the pharynx such as streptococcal pharyngitis and other acute throat infections. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical encounters for sore throat and pharyngeal inflammation, capturing distinctions in etiology, severity, and any associated complications. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM J02 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM J02: Acute Pharyngitis Overview

    The diagnoses in the ICD-10-CM J02 group represent acute inflammation or infection of the pharynx and related upper respiratory mucosa, commonly called acute pharyngitis. These conditions target the upper respiratory tract, specifically the throat and tonsillar region, and may be caused by viral or bacterial pathogens. Accurate coding is important for clinical communication and supports correct reimbursement by reflecting the specific diagnosis and clinical complexity.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when the clinical documentation indicates an acute pharyngitis diagnosis as the primary reason for the encounter. Choose the most specific subcode that reflects documented etiology, such as streptococcal infection, or additional findings when present.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    3 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    J02.0Streptococcal pharyngitis
    J02.8Acute pharyngitis due to other specified organisms
    J02.9Acute pharyngitis, unspecified

    DRG Codes

    5 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    011Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCC
    012Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CC
    013Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCC
    152Otitis Media and URI with MCC
    153Otitis Media and URI without MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • A young adult presents to urgent care with a 48-hour history of sudden onset sore throat, fever, painful swallowing, and erythematous tonsils without cough. Rapid strep testing or throat culture is pending; the clinician documents an acute bacterial pharyngitis based on exam and symptomatic severity, so an acute pharyngitis code is assigned to capture the acute infectious throat inflammation. Typical codes: J02.0
    • A school-aged child is brought to primary care with sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, low-grade fever, and viral upper respiratory symptoms that began two days ago; the clinician diagnoses an acute viral pharyngitis after clinical evaluation without signs of bacterial infection. An acute pharyngitis code indicating nonbacterial/other viral etiology is assigned to reflect the acute viral throat infection and guide symptomatic care. Typical codes: J02.8
    • An adult with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is admitted from the emergency department for acute worsening of respiratory symptoms and new severe sore throat with dysphagia; the treating team documents acute pharyngitis as a concurrent acute upper respiratory infection complicating the COPD exacerbation to capture the comorbidity influencing management. Typical codes: J02.9

    Related Codes

    J00-ACUTE-NASOPHARYNGITIS-COMMON-COLD

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Nasopharyngitis Common Cold: Group Overview

    J01-ACUTE-SINUSITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Sinusitis: Group Overview

    J03-ACUTE-TONSILLITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Tonsillitis: Group Overview

    J04-ACUTE-LARYNGITIS-AND-TRACHEITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Laryngitis And Tracheitis: Group Overview

    J05-ACUTE-OBSTRUCTIVE-LARYNGITIS-AND-EPIGLOTTITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Obstructive Laryngitis And Epiglottitis: Group Overview

    J06-ACUTE-UPPER-RESPIRATORY-INFECTIONS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Upper Respiratory Infections Of Multiple And Unspecified Sites: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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