2025 ICD-10-CM code J39.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of the respiratory system - Other diseases of upper respiratory tract (J30-J39) Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99) Feed
Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess. This code is used to classify an abscess located in the retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal space.
Medical necessity for the treatment of a retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal abscess is established based on the presence of documented symptoms and imaging confirmation.The severity of the infection, potential for airway obstruction, and risk of systemic complications justify prompt diagnosis and management.
The clinical responsibility for this code involves the physician's assessment, diagnosis, and management of the abscess, which may include antibiotic treatment, drainage procedures (incision and drainage, aspiration), and monitoring for complications such as airway obstruction or sepsis.
In simple words: This code describes a pus-filled pocket (abscess) located in the back of the throat (retropharyngeal) or near the throat (parapharyngeal). A doctor would use this code after confirming the diagnosis with tests like a CT scan or an MRI.
J39.0, Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess, is an ICD-10-CM code used to classify an infection resulting in a collection of pus (abscess) in the retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal spaces.These spaces are located in the back of the throat and around the pharynx. The diagnosis requires confirmation through clinical examination, imaging studies (like CT scans or MRI), or aspiration of the abscess contents.The code excludes peritonsillar abscesses (J36).
Example 1: A 35-year-old presents with severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and neck pain. Physical examination reveals a fluctuant mass in the retropharyngeal area.A CT scan confirms the presence of a retropharyngeal abscess. The physician performs incision and drainage, sends the pus for culture and sensitivity, and initiates intravenous antibiotics., A 50-year-old with a history of diabetes develops a parapharyngeal abscess secondary to a dental infection. The patient presents with fever, trismus, and muffled voice.Imaging reveals a large parapharyngeal abscess requiring surgical drainage under general anesthesia., A 10-year-old child presents with neck swelling and difficulty breathing. An examination reveals a retropharyngeal abscess causing airway compromise. The child undergoes immediate emergency incision and drainage to secure the airway, followed by appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Detailed history and physical examination noting symptoms (dysphagia, odynophagia, fever, neck pain, swelling), imaging studies (CT or MRI) confirming the abscess, results of culture and sensitivity testing if pus was obtained, details of any surgical procedures (incision and drainage, aspiration), and the course of antibiotic treatment.
** Accurate localization of the abscess (retropharyngeal vs. parapharyngeal) is crucial for appropriate coding.Complications such as sepsis or airway compromise should be appropriately coded using additional codes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Otolaryngology, Infectious Disease, Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office