ICD-10-CM Code J39.0
Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess
Billable Code
Billable codes are sufficient justification for admission to an acute care hospital when used a principal diagnosis.J39.0 is a billable ICD code used to specify a diagnosis of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess. A 'billable code' is detailed enough to be used to specify a medical diagnosis.
The ICD code J390 is used to code Retropharyngeal abscess
Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is an abscess located in the tissues in the back of the throat behind the posterior pharyngeal wall (the retropharyngeal space). Because RPAs typically occur in deep tissue, they are difficult to diagnose by physical examination alone. RPA is a relatively uncommon illness, and therefore may not receive early diagnosis in children presenting with stiff neck, malaise, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms listed below. Early diagnosis is key, while a delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to death. Parapharyngeal space communicates with retropharyngeal space and an infection of retropharyngeal space can pass down behind the esophagus into the mediastinum. RPAs can also occur in adults of any age.
| Specialty: | Pulmonology |
| MeSH Code: | D017703 |
| ICD 9 Code: | 478.24 |
A lateral cervical spine x-ray demonstrating prevertebral soft tissue swelling (marked by the arrow) as seen in a person with a retropharyngeal abscess.
Coding Notes for J39.0 Info for medical coders on how to properly use this ICD-10 code
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Inclusion Terms:
Inclusion Terms
Inclusion Terms are a list of concepts for which a specific code is used. The list of Inclusion Terms is useful for determining the correct code in some cases, but the list is not necessarily exhaustive. - Peripharyngeal abscess
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Code Type-1 Excludes:
Type-1 Excludes
Type-1 Excludes mean the conditions excluded are mutually exclusive and should never be coded together. Excludes 1 means "do not code here." - Peritonsillar abscess - instead, use Code J36
MS-DRG Mapping
- DRG Group #011-013 - Tracheostomy for face, mouth and neck diagnoses with MCC.
- DRG Group #011-013 - Tracheostomy for face, mouth and neck diagnoses with CC.
- DRG Group #011-013 - Tracheostomy for face, mouth and neck diagnoses without CC or MCC.
- DRG Group #152-153 - Otitis media and uri with MCC.
- DRG Group #152-153 - Otitis media and uri without MCC.
- DRG Group #793 - Full term neonate with major problems.
ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index References for 'J39.0 - Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess'
The ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index links the below-listed medical terms to the ICD code J39.0. Click on any term below to browse the alphabetical index.
Equivalent ICD-9 Codes GENERAL EQUIVALENCE MAPPINGS (GEM)
This is the official approximate match mapping between ICD9 and ICD10, as provided by the General Equivalency mapping crosswalk. This means that while there is no exact mapping between this ICD10 code J39.0 and a single ICD9 code, 478.24 is an approximate match for comparison and conversion purposes.
Parent Code: J39 - Other diseases of upper respiratory tract