Acute tonsillitis

This code represents an acute inflammation of the tonsils, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Patients often present with a sudden onset of sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen, red tonsils, which may have exudate.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of acute tonsillitis, characterized by a rapid onset and short duration of symptoms. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing the patient's symptoms, physical examination findings (e.g., tonsillar erythema, exudates), and a confirmed diagnosis of acute tonsillitis.

• Differentiate from chronic tonsillitis (474.00-474.02) or peritonsillar abscess (475).
• Do not use for recurrent tonsillitis unless each episode is documented as acute and separate.
• Consider an additional code for the causative organism if identified and documented (e.g., streptococcal infection).