Billable Medical Code for Peritonsillar Abscess
Diagnosis Code for Reimbursement Claim: ICD-9-CM 475
Code will be replaced by October 2015 and relabeled as ICD-10-CM 475.
Known As
Tonsillar abscess is also known as peritonsillar cellulitis. This excludes tonsillitis: acute or NOS (463) and chronic (474.0). This applies to abscess of tonsil, peritonsillar cellulitis, and quinsy.
Tonsillar Abscess Definition and Symptoms
Tonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis that causes a collection of infected material to accumulate around the tonsils. It is most commonly caused by the streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, drooling, facial/neck swelling, fever, muffled voice, fever, tender glands, severe sore throat, and difficulty opening the mouth.