J36
✓ Billable
Peritonsillar abscess
ICD-10-CM · FY2026 · Diseases of the Respiratory System
Code
J36
System
ICD-10-CM
Billable
Yes — valid for submission
Effective
FY2026
Chapter
Diseases of the Respiratory System
Source
CMS / CDC NCHS
⚠ Verify before billing. Confirm against the current CMS/NCHS ICD-10-CM files and your payer's rules before claims submission.
Official coding notes
From CMS's ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Includes
- abscess of tonsil
- peritonsillar cellulitis
- quinsy
Excludes1 — never 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is ICD-10 code J36?
ICD-10-CM code J36 represents Peritonsillar abscess. It is a billable diagnosis code in the Diseases of the Respiratory System chapter, effective October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.
Is J36 billable?
Yes. J36 is a valid billable ICD-10-CM code for insurance claims and clinical documentation.
What chapter is J36 in?
J36 belongs to the Diseases of the Respiratory System chapter (J00–J99) of ICD-10-CM.
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