ICD-10 Code J01 – Acute sinusitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J01 – Acute sinusitis
What it is
J01 identifies acute inflammation or infection of one or more paranasal sinuses. It is used when the condition is short-term and not chronic.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, purulent nasal discharge, and reduced sense of smell. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use J01 when the provider documents acute sinusitis and does not specify a more detailed site or cause. It may apply to maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, or unspecified acute sinusitis when supported by the note.
Check whether the record identifies recurrent, chronic, or subacute disease, because those require different coding. You should also confirm any laterality or specific sinus involvement if documented.
Do not use for
Do not use J01 for chronic, recurrent, or subacute sinusitis. Do not assign it when the documentation only supports nasal congestion or upper respiratory infection without sinusitis.
Coding tip
Always code to the most specific acute sinusitis term documented, and verify whether an additional code is needed for an associated organism if the record supports it.