J36 – Peritonsillar abscess
ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Other diseases of upper respiratory tract
ICD-10-CM code
J36
- Code
J36(claims format:J36)- Description
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Billable
- Yes – valid for HIPAA-covered transactions
- Valid for
- Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
- Chapter
- 10. Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
- Block
- J30-J39 Other diseases of upper respiratory tract
Notes for J36
Includes:
- abscess of tonsil
- peritonsillar cellulitis
- quinsy
Excludes1 (not coded here):
Index terms for J36
Entries in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index that lead to this code:
- Quinsy
- Angina, tonsil
- Abscess, tonsil
- Peritonsillitis
- Cellulitis, tonsil
- Angina, phlegmonous
- Cynanche, tonsillaris
- Abscess, peritonsillar
- Abscess, posttonsillar
- Abscess, intratonsillar
- Abscess, circumtonsillar
- Abscess, lingual, tonsil
- Cellulitis, peritonsillar
- Abscess, tonsillopharyngeal
- Gangrene, gangrenous, quinsy
- Hemorrhage, hemorrhagic, peritonsillar tissue, due to infection
Frequently asked questions
What is ICD-10 code J36?
J36 is the ICD-10-CM code for peritonsillar abscess, in the block J30-J39 (Other diseases of upper respiratory tract).
Is J36 a billable code?
Yes. J36 is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
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.