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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for recurrent tonsillitis

J03.91

Acute recurrent tonsillitis, unspecified

✓ Billable / specific

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Tonsillitis (acute) (catarrhal) (croupous) (follicular) (gangrenous) (infective) (lacunar) (lingual) (malignant) (membranous) (parenchymatous) (phlegmonous) (pseudomembranous) (purulent) (septic) (subacute) (suppurative) (toxic) (ulcerative) (vesicular) (viral) › recurrent”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding recurrent tonsillitis

The ICD-10-CM code for recurrent tonsillitis is J03.91 (Acute recurrent tonsillitis, unspecified).

Within J03.9, choose J03.91 (recurrent tonsillitis, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: tonsillitis, unspecified (J03.90).

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 011 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCC, relative weight 5.6154), DRG 012 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CC, relative weight 4.381), DRG 013 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCC, relative weight 2.7307), DRG 152 (Otitis Media and URI with MCC, relative weight 1.1151) and DRG 153 (Otitis Media and URI without MCC, relative weight 0.7421), in Pre-MDC and MDC 03 (Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

Common questions about recurrent tonsillitis ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for recurrent tonsillitis?

J03.91 — Acute recurrent tonsillitis, unspecified.

Is J03.91 billable?

Yes. J03.91 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can J03.91 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict J03.91 as a principal diagnosis.

Is J03.91 a CC or MCC?

No. J03.91 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.