ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for purulent pharyngitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Pharyngitis (acute) (catarrhal)(gangrenous) (infective) (malignant) (membranous) (phlegmonous) (pseudomembranous) (simple) (subacute) (suppurative) (ulcerative) › purulent”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding purulent pharyngitis
The ICD-10-CM code for purulent pharyngitis is J02.9 (Acute pharyngitis, unspecified).
Within J02, choose J02.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: streptococcal pharyngitis (J02.0) and due to other specified organisms (J02.8).
Don't report J02.9 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations (J09.X2, J10.1, J11.1).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for J02.9)
Common questions about purulent pharyngitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for purulent pharyngitis?
- J02.9 — Acute pharyngitis, unspecified.
Is J02.9 billable?
- Yes. J02.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can J02.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict J02.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is J02.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. J02.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.