Acute tonsillitis due to other specified organisms

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the tonsils caused by a bacterial or viral pathogen that is specifically identified but falls outside the common streptococcal or other broadly categorized organisms. Patients typically present with sudden onset of sore throat, fever, dysphagia, and enlarged, erythematous tonsils, often with exudates.

Use this code when the medical record clearly documents acute tonsillitis and a specific causative organism has been identified through laboratory testing (e.g., culture, rapid antigen detection, PCR) that is not Group A Streptococcus or another organism with a more specific ICD-10-CM code. Documentation must specify the identified pathogen, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, or a specific viral strain.

• Ensure the documentation specifies an "acute" presentation and identifies the "other specified organism."
• Do not use this code for unspecified organisms or when the organism is known to be Group A Streptococcus (refer to J03.0x codes).
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when acute tonsillitis is the reason for the encounter.