2025 ICD-10-CM code A36
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Diphtheria, a bacterial infection typically affecting the upper respiratory system.
Medical necessity for diphtheria treatment is established by the diagnosis itself.The severity of the infection and any complications further justify the need for medical intervention, including hospitalization if required.
Physicians are responsible for diagnosing and managing diphtheria. This includes assessing symptoms, obtaining patient history (including exposure), conducting a physical examination, and ordering laboratory tests (throat culture). Treatment involves administering diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics, along with supportive care as needed.Patient education on prevention through vaccination is also crucial.
In simple words: Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection usually affecting the throat and nose. It causes a thick coating in the back of your throat, making it hard to breathe and swallow. You might also have a sore throat, fever, and swollen glands in your neck. If it gets severe, it can affect your heart, kidneys, and nerves.
Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the upper respiratory system, forming a thick coating (pseudomembrane) in the throat. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, weakness, swollen neck glands, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. In severe cases, it can impact the heart, kidneys, and nervous system, potentially leading to respiratory failure. Diagnosis involves evaluating symptoms, exposure history, physical examination, and microscopic analysis of throat swabs. Treatment includes diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics, often requiring patient isolation.
Example 1: A 5-year-old child presents with a sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. A thick gray coating is observed on the tonsils. A throat culture confirms the presence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, leading to a diagnosis of diphtheria (A36)., A patient with a history of travel to a region with low diphtheria vaccination rates develops a sore throat, difficulty breathing, and swollen neck glands.Testing reveals diphtheria, coded as A36., An unvaccinated individual experiences skin lesions covered with a grayish membrane, accompanied by fever and malaise.Cutaneous diphtheria (A36.3) is diagnosed.
Documentation should include signs and symptoms (sore throat, fever, pseudomembrane), laboratory results confirming C. diphtheriae, and details of treatment (antitoxin, antibiotics).Vaccination history and any complications should also be documented.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Office,Emergency Room - Hospital