Herpangina

Herpangina is an acute, self-limiting viral illness characterized by fever, sore throat, and distinctive vesicular or ulcerative lesions on the posterior oropharynx, particularly the tonsillar pillars, soft palate, and uvula. It is typically caused by Coxsackievirus A and is most common in young children during summer and fall.

This code is used when documentation confirms a diagnosis of herpangina based on the characteristic clinical presentation of fever, pharyngitis, and posterior oral lesions. It is appropriate for cases where a viral etiology, specifically herpangina, has been identified or strongly suspected by the provider.

• Differentiate from other viral pharyngitis or stomatitis conditions; herpangina lesions are typically posterior.
• Do not confuse with hand-foot-and-mouth disease, which involves lesions on the hands, feet, and anterior mouth.
• Ensure documentation specifies "herpangina" or describes the classic symptoms and location of lesions.