J00 vs J31.2
J00 (Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold]) compared with J31.2 (Chronic pharyngitis), from the official CMS tabular data. Both may be reported when both conditions are documented (Excludes2).
Can these codes be reported together?
Yes, when both are documented. J00 carries an Excludes2 note covering J31.2: “chronic pharyngitis (J31.2)”
Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.
Yes, when both are documented. J00 carries an Excludes2 note covering J31.2: “chronic sore throat (J31.2)”
Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.
Side by side
| J00Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold] | J31.2Chronic pharyngitis | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing status | Billable | Billable |
| Classification | J00-J99 — Diseases of the Respiratory System (J00-J99) | J00-J99 — Diseases of the Respiratory System (J00-J99) |
| Definition | Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold] is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (J00). | Chronic pharyngitis is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (J31.2). |
| Includes | Acute rhinitis Coryza (acute) Infective nasopharyngitis NOS Infective rhinitis | Chronic sore throat Atrophic pharyngitis (chronic) Granular pharyngitis (chronic) Hypertrophic pharyngitis (chronic) |
Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources