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J36 ICD-10-CM Code: Peritonsillar abscess

A clear reference for the official code description, hierarchy, and related coding information from the FY 2027 U.S. release.

Official description

J36

Peritonsillar abscess

ICD-10-CM diagnosis code · United States clinical modification

Where J36 sits

  1. 1

    Chapter 10

    Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)

  2. 2

    Section

    Other diseases of upper respiratory tract (J30-J39)

  3. 3

    Category J36

    Peritonsillar abscess

  4. 4

    Code J36

    Peritonsillar abscess

Notes for this code

Inclusion terms

No inclusion terms are listed for J36.

Code first

No “code first” instruction is listed for J36.

Use additional code

  • code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Excludes1

Conditions that should not be reported together with this code.

  • acute tonsillitis (J03.-)
  • chronic tonsillitis (J35.0)
  • retropharyngeal abscess (J39.0)
  • tonsillitis NOS (J03.9-)

Excludes2

Conditions not included here that may be reported separately when present.

No Excludes2 note is listed for J36.

Source and release

Data release
U.S. ICD-10-CM · FY 2027
Effective date
Oct 1, 2026

This reference is generated from Vero’s ICD-10-CM description, hierarchy, and code-note dataset. The visible content and structured data share that source.

Review the CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM source

Frequently asked questions

What does ICD-10-CM code J36 mean?

J36 is the FY 2027 U.S. ICD-10-CM code for “Peritonsillar abscess.”

Is J36 a billable or specific ICD-10-CM code?

Yes. In the FY 2027 reference data used on this page, J36 has no child codes and is presented as a billable/specific code. Always confirm the active code set and payer requirements before use.

Where is J36 located in ICD-10-CM?

J36 is listed in Chapter 10, Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99), within Other diseases of upper respiratory tract (J30-J39) (J30–J39), under category J36, Peritonsillar abscess.

What coding notes are listed for J36?

No inclusion terms are listed for J36 in this reference record. No code-first instruction is listed. Additional-code instructions: code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.. Excludes1 notes: acute tonsillitis (J03.-); chronic tonsillitis (J35.0); retropharyngeal abscess (J39.0); tonsillitis NOS (J03.9-). No Excludes2 note is listed.