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J36

Billable

Peritonsillar abscess

J36 is the ICD-10-CM code for Peritonsillar abscess. It is a billable, specific code valid for reimbursement.

Status
Billable
Chapter
J00-J99
Edition
FY2026

J00-J99 Diseases of the respiratory system

What this means — in plain language

MedlinePlus · NIH

An abscess is a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess almost anywhere in your body. When an area of your body becomes infected, your body's immune system tries to fight the infection. White blood cells go to the infected area, collect within the damaged tissue, and cause inflammation. During this process, pus forms. Pus is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue. Bacteria, viruses,…

Read more about Abscess at MedlinePlus ↗

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Informational only — not medical advice.

Includes

  • •abscess of tonsil
  • •peritonsillar cellulitis
  • •quinsy

Excludes1 — not coded here

  • •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.

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code J36?
J36 is the ICD-10-CM code for "Peritonsillar abscess". It falls under J00-J99 Diseases of the respiratory system.
Is J36 a billable code?
Yes — J36 is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code valid for reimbursement.
What is excluded from J36?
Excludes1 (not coded here): acute tonsillitis (J03.-); chronic tonsillitis (J35.0); retropharyngeal abscess (J39.0); tonsillitis NOS (J03.9-).

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM FY2026. For informational purposes only — not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.

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