ICD Code J02.8

ICD code J02.8 is acute pharyngitis caused by specific organisms other than those commonly identified, such as streptococcus.

1. Sudden onset of sore throat

2. Erythema and inflammation of the pharynx

3. Absence of viral etiology (such as negative rapid antigen or PCR tests for common viral pathogens)

4. Laboratory confirmation or strong clinical suspicion of a bacterial or other non-viral organism as the causative agent, excluding Streptococcus (which is coded separately)

5. Presence of additional symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or tender cervical lymphadenopathy

6. No evidence of chronic pharyngitis or other chronic throat conditions

7. Exclusion of pharyngitis due to unspecified or commonly specified organisms (such as Streptococcus)

Relevant CPT codes that may be used to treat ICD code J02.8 include:

- 99201–99215 (Office or other outpatient evaluation and management services)

- 87880 (Rapid strep test)

- 87070 (Culture, bacterial; throat, aerobic)

- 96372 (Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection; subcutaneous or intramuscular)

- 36415 (Collection of venous blood by venipuncture)

- 90471 (Immunization administration, one vaccine)

- 90715 (Tdap vaccine, if indicated)

- 96365 (Intravenous infusion, for therapy, prophylaxis, or diagnosis)

Selection of codes depends on the specific services rendered during the encounter for J02.8.

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