ICD-10-CM
ICD-10 code for Tonsillitis: J03.90
The ICD-10-CM index points "Tonsillitis" to J03.9 (Acute tonsillitis, unspecified), a header that is not billable. When nothing more specific is documented, the billable code is J03.90, Acute tonsillitis, unspecified.
Source: CDC ICD-10-CM FY2027 Alphabetic Index file dated June 16, 2026. Publisher page
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Index subterms
A header groups codes and is not billed. A billable code is one you can report.
- J35.01chronic, Chronic tonsillitisBillable
- A36.0diphtheritic, Pharyngeal diphtheriaBillable
- J35.01hypertrophic, Chronic tonsillitisBillable
- J03.91recurrent, Acute recurrent tonsillitis, unspecifiedBillable
- J03.80specified organism NEC, Acute tonsillitis due to other specified organismsBillable
- J03.80staphylococcal, Acute tonsillitis due to other specified organismsBillable
- J03.00streptococcal, Acute streptococcal tonsillitis, unspecifiedBillable
- A15.8tuberculous, Other respiratory tuberculosisBillable
- A69.1Vincent's, Other Vincent's infectionsBillable
More specific codes in J03
A header groups codes and is not billed. A billable code is one you can report.
- J03Acute tonsillitisHeader
- J03.0Streptococcal tonsillitisHeader
- J03.00Acute streptococcal tonsillitis, unspecifiedBillable
- J03.01Acute recurrent streptococcal tonsillitisBillable
- J03.8Acute tonsillitis due to other specified organismsHeader
- J03.80Acute tonsillitis due to other specified organismsBillable
- J03.81Acute recurrent tonsillitis due to other specified organismsBillable
- J03.9Acute tonsillitis, unspecifiedHeader
- J03.90Acute tonsillitis, unspecifiedBillable
- J03.91Acute recurrent tonsillitis, unspecifiedBillable
Excludes1
Excludes2
Excludes2 means the other condition can be reported with this one when both are documented.
From J03. A note on a category applies to every code under it.
Related conditions
Related pages
- J03.90 code detailsNotes, nearby codes, CMS-HCC group
- Category J03.9Every code under it
- Chapter 10Diseases of the respiratory system
- ICD-10 codes by conditionA to Z
- Check a list of ICD-10 codes
- Denial code CO-11Diagnosis does not support the procedure
- Denial code CO-146Diagnosis invalid for the date of service
- HCPCS Level II code lookup
Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for Tonsillitis?
The ICD-10-CM index points "Tonsillitis" to J03.9 (Acute tonsillitis, unspecified), a header that is not billable. When nothing more specific is documented, the billable code is J03.90, Acute tonsillitis, unspecified.
Is J03.90 billable?
Yes. J03.90 is a billable code in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM file. Use a more specific code when the record documents one.
What documentation notes apply to J03.90?
The CDC tabular list gives 6 Excludes1 notes (not coded together), 1 Excludes2 note (may be coded together when both are documented) for J03.90 and the categories above it. They are listed on this page.
What chapter is J03.90 in?
Chapter 10. Diseases of the respiratory system.
When do ICD-10-CM codes change?
Every October 1, with the new fiscal year file. Some years add April 1 updates. This page uses the FY2027 file, effective October 1, 2026.