ICD-10 Code J01.91 – Acute recurrent sinusitis, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J01.91 – Acute recurrent sinusitis, unspecified
What it is
J01.91 identifies repeated episodes of acute sinus inflammation when the affected sinus is not specified. Use it when the chart documents recurrent acute sinusitis, but does not name a particular sinus.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, purulent drainage, and symptoms that recur after improvement between episodes.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute recurrent sinusitis and does not specify maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, or other sinus involvement. It also fits cases where the record confirms recurrence but lacks enough detail for a more specific code.
Check documentation if the note describes chronic sinusitis, a single acute episode, or a different sinus site. Code the condition exactly as documented and avoid assuming the sinus location.
Do not use for
Do not use J01.91 for chronic sinusitis or for acute sinusitis with a specified sinus site. If the record does not support recurrence, choose a different acute sinusitis code.
Coding tip
Query for the involved sinus when the note says recurrent sinusitis but leaves the site unspecified.