J02
Non-Billable

Acute pharyngitis

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Acute pharyngitis?

ICD-10-CM J02 is the diagnosis code for Acute pharyngitis. This code falls under the section "Acute upper respiratory infections" within Chapter 10 — Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

⛔ Excludes1
â„šī¸ Excludes2

Coding Guidelines for J02

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as J02. They are mutually exclusive:

  • acute laryngopharyngitis (J06.0)
  • peritonsillar abscess (J36)
  • pharyngeal abscess (J39.1)
  • retropharyngeal abscess (J39.0)

â„šī¸ Type 2 Excludes (Code separately if applicable)

The following conditions are not included in J02. If the patient has both, code each condition separately:

  • chronic pharyngitis (J31.2)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where J02 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 3 entries
J02.0Streptococcal pharyngitisBillableJ02.8Acute pharyngitis due to other specified organismsBillableJ02.9Acute pharyngitis, unspecifiedBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is J02 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, J02 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does J02 mean?

J02 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Acute pharyngitis". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is J02 in?

J02 is located in Section J00-J06 — "Acute upper respiratory infections" within Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of J02?

J02 has 3 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: J02.0, J02.8, J02.9.

When should I use J02?

Use J02 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Acute pharyngitis" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Acute pharyngitis?

The ICD-10-CM code for Acute pharyngitis is J02.

Can J02 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, J02 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is J02 in?

J02 is in Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from J02?

Type 1 Excludes for J02 include: acute laryngopharyngitis (J06.0); peritonsillar abscess (J36); pharyngeal abscess (J39.1) and more.

Is J02 valid for 2026?

Yes, J02 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousJ01.91Acute recurrent sinusitis, unspecifiedNext →J02.0Streptococcal pharyngitis
Code Details
J02
Acute pharyngitis
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
10 — Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
J00-J06 — Acute upper respiratory infections
2026 ICD-10-CM