J03.8 – Acute tonsillitis due to other specified organisms

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

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code J03.8
Code
J03.8 (claims format: J038)
Description
Acute tonsillitis due to other specified organisms
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
Parent codes
J03

Billable codes under J03.8

J03.8 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

Notes for J03.8

Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • diphtheritic tonsillitis (A36.0)
  • herpesviral pharyngotonsillitis (B00.2)
  • streptococcal tonsillitis (J03.0)
  • tuberculous tonsillitis (A15.8)
  • Vincent's tonsillitis (A69.1)
Use additional code:
  • code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Notes inherited from parent codes

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

J03 – Acute tonsillitis

Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • acute sore throat (J02.-)
  • hypertrophy of tonsils (J35.1)
  • peritonsillar abscess (J36)
  • sore throat NOS (J02.9)
  • streptococcal sore throat (J02.0)
Excludes2 (not included here):
  • chronic tonsillitis (J35.0)

Block J00-J06

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

Related codes in J03

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code J03.8?

J03.8 is the ICD-10-CM code for acute tonsillitis due to other specified organisms, in the block J00-J06 (Acute upper respiratory infections).

Is J03.8 a billable code?

No. J03.8 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

What category does J03.8 belong to?

It belongs to category J03 – Acute tonsillitis.

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.