J02 – Acute pharyngitis

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Acute upper respiratory infections

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code J02
Code
J02 (claims format: J02)
Description
Acute pharyngitis
Billable
No – use a more specific code below
Valid for
Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter
10. Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
Block
J00-J06 Acute upper respiratory infections

Billable codes under J02

J02 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

Notes for J02

Includes:
  • acute sore throat
Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • acute laryngopharyngitis (J06.0)
  • peritonsillar abscess (J36)
  • pharyngeal abscess (J39.1)
  • retropharyngeal abscess (J39.0)
Excludes2 (not included here):
  • chronic pharyngitis (J31.2)

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

Block J00-J06

Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute lower respiratory infection (J44.0)

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code J02?

J02 is the ICD-10-CM code for acute pharyngitis, in the block J00-J06 (Acute upper respiratory infections).

Is J02 a billable code?

No. J02 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.