ICD-10 Guide

J36

Peritonsillar abscess

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 J36 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a collection of pus that forms in the peritonsillar space, typically as a complication of acute tonsillitis. Clinically, patients present with severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing (odynophagia), and trismus (inability to open the mouth). The abscess may cause unilateral swelling of the tonsil and soft palate, leading to a 'hot potato' voice. Anatomically, the peritonsillar space is located between the tonsil and the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx. Disease progression often begins with acute tonsillitis, where bacteria, usually Streptococcus pyogenes, invade the tissue. If untreated, PTA can lead to airway obstruction, sepsis, or spread of infection to surrounding structures. Diagnostic considerations include physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan, and laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure patient safety.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and sometimes imaging.
Treatment complexity: May involve drainage procedures and antibiotic therapy.
Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are necessary.
Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the abscess location and associated conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

Common coding errors: Misidentifying the type of tonsillitis or abscess.
Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging documentation.
Billing challenges: Denials may occur if the medical necessity for drainage is not clearly documented.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Peritonsillar abscesses are significant in terms of clinical outcomes, as they can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The condition is prevalent among adolescents and young adults, impacting healthcare utilization due to emergency visits and potential hospital admissions. Quality measures focus on timely intervention and management to reduce complications, which is crucial for population health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for the procedure is clearly documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient evidence of the need for drainage or lack of detailed clinical notes. Best practices include using precise coding, maintaining thorough documentation, and ensuring that all services rendered are clearly linked to the diagnosis.

Resources

Clinical References

•
ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
•
Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

•
ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
•
Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by J36?

J36 specifically covers peritonsillar abscess, which can arise from acute tonsillitis or other infections of the tonsils. It is characterized by the presence of pus in the peritonsillar space and may require surgical intervention.

When should J36 be used instead of related codes?

J36 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess, particularly when there are clinical signs of an abscess and the need for drainage or surgical intervention. Related codes like J35 should be used for chronic conditions without abscess formation.

What documentation supports J36?

Documentation should include clinical findings such as throat examination results, imaging studies confirming the abscess, treatment plans, and any surgical notes if drainage was performed.

ICD-10 J36 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess.