ICD-10 Code J03.81 – Acute recurrent tonsillitis due to other specified organisms (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J03.81 – Acute recurrent tonsillitis due to other specified organisms
What it is
This code identifies repeated episodes of acute tonsillitis caused by organisms other than the common specified causes. Use it when documentation states recurrent tonsillitis and names an “other specified” infectious agent.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sore throat, enlarged or inflamed tonsils, and painful swallowing. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the specific organism and recurrence pattern.
When to use this code
Use J03.81 when the provider documents acute recurrent tonsillitis and identifies an organism that is not captured by a more specific tonsillitis code. It also fits cases where the chart clearly supports recurrence, not a single acute episode. If the organism is not stated, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic tonsillitis, simple acute tonsillitis, or tonsillitis with a different stated cause. Check documentation if the record does not clearly support recurrence or the “other specified organisms” wording.
Coding tip
Match the code to both recurrence and the documented organism; if either element is missing, query the record.