ICD-10 Code J02.9 – Acute pharyngitis, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J02.9 – Acute pharyngitis, unspecified
What it is
J02.9 identifies an acute inflammation of the pharynx when the provider does not document a specific cause or subtype. Use it for a short-term sore throat diagnosis that is not further characterized.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include throat pain, redness, and discomfort with swallowing. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation if the record does not clearly support an acute pharyngitis diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents acute pharyngitis but does not specify streptococcal, viral, or another identified type. It also fits cases where the note supports pharyngitis, yet the cause remains unspecified. Check documentation if symptoms are described without a clear diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use J02.9 when the record identifies a specific organism or another throat condition, such as tonsillitis or laryngitis. If the documentation is unclear, do not assume pharyngitis without support.
Coding tip
Code the documented diagnosis exactly as written, and query for specificity when the cause or site is unclear.