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ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code J36: Peritonsillar abscess

J36 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Peritonsillar abscess in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents peritonsillar abscess in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
10Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
block
J30-J39Other diseases of upper respiratory tract
currentJ30-J39

Official coding notes

Includes
  • abscess of tonsil
  • peritonsillar cellulitis
  • quinsy
Applicable to
  • code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.
Excludes1 (do not code together)
  • acute tonsillitis (J03.-)
  • chronic tonsillitis (J35.0)
  • retropharyngeal abscess (J39.0)
  • tonsillitis NOS (J03.9-)
Use additional code
  • code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

PulmonologistGeneral Physician

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
J36

Common synonyms

Peritonsillar abscess

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeJ36
SystemICD10
Display namePeritonsillar abscess
ChapterDiseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
BlockOther diseases of upper respiratory tract

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Angina(attack) (cardiac) (chest) (heart) (pectoris) (syndrome) (vasomotor)Angina(attack) (cardiac) (chest) (heart) (pectoris) (syndrome) (vasomotor)Cellulitis(diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)Cellulitis(diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)Cynanche

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.