ICD-10 Code J01.8 – Other acute sinusitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J01.8 – Other acute sinusitis
What it is
Use this code for an acute sinus infection that does not fit a more specific sinusitis category. It identifies inflammation of the paranasal sinuses with an acute onset, but the exact sinus site is not specified.
Clinical signs
Common findings include facial pressure, nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and sinus tenderness. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the affected sinus and whether the episode is acute.
When to use this code
Assign J01.8 when the provider documents acute sinusitis and names another specific sinusitis type that is not separately coded. Use it when the record supports an acute infection, but the documentation does not identify a more precise sinus location.
If the note only says “sinusitis” without acuity or site, check documentation before coding. Confirm that the condition is not chronic, recurrent, or better described by another acute sinusitis code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic sinusitis, recurrent sinusitis, or sinus symptoms without a documented acute diagnosis. Also avoid it when a more specific acute sinusitis code is documented.
Coding tip
Read the provider’s wording carefully and code the most specific acute sinusitis type documented; if it is unclear, check documentation.