Peritonsillar abscess

This code represents a collection of pus that forms behind the tonsil, often as a complication of acute tonsillitis. It can also describe severe inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tonsil without frank pus formation. This condition causes significant throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and often a "hot potato" voice.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess, peritonsillar cellulitis, or quinsy. This typically follows a physical examination revealing unilateral tonsillar swelling, uvular deviation, and fluctuance. Supporting documentation may include imaging results confirming an abscess.

• Differentiate carefully between peritonsillar abscess/cellulitis and acute or chronic tonsillitis, as these are Excludes1 conditions.
• Do not code this with J03.- (acute tonsillitis) or J35.0 (chronic tonsillitis) as per Excludes1 notes.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "peritonsillar" to distinguish from other pharyngeal abscesses like retropharyngeal.