ICD-10 Code J01.20 – Acute ethmoidal sinusitis, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J01.20 – Acute ethmoidal sinusitis, unspecified
What it is
This code identifies an acute infection and inflammation of the ethmoid sinus, with no documented organism or further specification. Use it when the provider confirms ethmoidal sinusitis but does not document laterality or a more specific subtype.
Clinical signs
Common findings include nasal congestion, facial pressure or pain, purulent nasal drainage, and tenderness near the bridge of the nose or between the eyes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use J01.20 when the record clearly states acute ethmoidal sinusitis and the documentation remains unspecified. It is appropriate for initial encounters or visits where the provider has not identified a causative organism or a more detailed sinus location.
If the note describes sinusitis involving another sinus site or a different acute sinusitis type, choose the more specific code instead. Check documentation when the diagnosis is abbreviated, mixed with other sinus sites, or otherwise unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic sinusitis, recurrent sinusitis, or sinusitis limited to another sinus when the ethmoid sinus is not documented. Avoid it when the provider specifies a different acute sinusitis code.
Coding tip
Code from the provider’s exact wording and confirm that “acute ethmoidal sinusitis” is documented before assigning J01.20.