ICD-10 Code J01.11 – Acute recurrent frontal sinusitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J01.11 – Acute recurrent frontal sinusitis
What it is
J01.11 identifies repeated episodes of acute inflammation in the frontal sinus. Use it when the chart documents a new acute frontal sinus infection that has occurred more than once.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include frontal headache or pressure, nasal congestion, and purulent nasal drainage. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for evidence of recurrent acute disease.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute frontal sinusitis and notes that it is recurrent. It fits separate acute episodes affecting the frontal sinus, not a single lingering infection. If the record does not clearly say recurrent, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use it for chronic sinusitis, isolated nonfrontal sinus disease, or unspecified sinusitis. If the note only says “sinusitis” without frontal location or recurrence, choose a more accurate code.
Coding tip
Confirm both elements in the note: acute and recurrent, plus frontal sinus involvement.