ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for sore throat
Confirmed by the official ICD-10-CM index entry “ulcer, ulcerated, ulcerating, ulceration, ulcerative › sore throat”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding sore throat
The ICD-10-CM code for sore throat is J02.9 (Acute pharyngitis, unspecified). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on J02.9.
It is also searched as pharyngitis.
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.
Related Sore throat codes
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for J02.9)
Common questions about sore throat ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for sore throat?
- J02.9 — Acute pharyngitis, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: J02.0, J02.8.
What is the ICD-10 code for streptococcal pharyngitis?
- J02.0 — Streptococcal pharyngitis.
What is the ICD-10 code for acute pharyngitis due to other specified organisms?
- J02.8 — Acute pharyngitis due to other specified organisms.
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.