ICD-10 Code J02.0 – Streptococcal pharyngitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J02.0 – Streptococcal pharyngitis
What it is
J02.0 identifies acute pharyngitis caused by streptococcal infection, most commonly group A streptococcus. Use it when the record clearly documents strep throat rather than nonspecific sore throat.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sore throat, fever, tonsillar erythema or exudate, and tender anterior cervical lymph nodes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm streptococcal cause when it is stated.
When to use this code
Use J02.0 when the clinician documents streptococcal pharyngitis, streptococcal sore throat, or strep throat. It also fits encounters where the diagnosis is confirmed clinically or by testing and recorded as the final assessment. Do not infer streptococcal cause from symptoms alone.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for viral pharyngitis, nonspecific acute pharyngitis, or tonsillitis without documented streptococcal infection. Check documentation if the note only says “sore throat” or gives another organism.
Coding tip
Code J02.0 only when streptococcal pharyngitis is explicitly documented; otherwise select the more specific documented pharyngitis code.