ICD-10 Code J02 – Acute pharyngitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J02 – Acute pharyngitis
What it is
J02 identifies acute inflammation of the pharynx, usually a short-term sore throat illness. Use it when the record documents acute pharyngitis without a more specific cause or subtype.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include throat pain, redness, and swallowing discomfort. Fever, swollen cervical nodes, or tonsillar exudate may appear, but clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use J02 when the provider documents acute pharyngitis and does not specify streptococcal, viral, or another named etiology. It also fits cases where the assessment lists pharyngitis as the primary diagnosis and no more detailed code is supported. If the note gives a specific organism or associated condition, code that documented condition instead.
Do not use for
Do not assign J02 for chronic sore throat, tonsillitis, or laryngitis unless the record clearly supports acute pharyngitis. Check documentation if the diagnosis is actually a more specific upper respiratory infection.
Coding tip
Code the most specific pharyngitis diagnosis documented; J02 is appropriate only when the record remains nonspecific.