In simple words: This code indicates you have a type of diphtheria infection that isn't described by other, more specific diphtheria codes. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection usually affecting the throat and sometimes the skin. It can cause breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and even death.

Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.It primarily affects the upper respiratory system, often forming a thick coating on the back of the throat. This code (A36.8) is used when the specific type of diphtheria does not fall into the other A36 categories (pharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, cutaneous, or unspecified).

Example 1: A patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria, but laboratory cultures are inconclusive. Further investigation reveals diphtheritic involvement of an unusual site, such as the conjunctiva, confirming an atypical presentation., A patient with a history of incomplete diphtheria immunization develops a localized infection at an injection site. The infection exhibits characteristics of diphtheria but is distinct from cutaneous diphtheria, warranting the use of A36.8., A patient presents with a combined diphtheria infection affecting both the larynx and the skin. While both A36.2 (Laryngeal diphtheria) and A36.3 (Cutaneous diphtheria) could be used, A36.8 is more appropriate to capture the combined complexity of the presentation.

Documentation should include details of the patient's clinical presentation (symptoms, physical exam findings), laboratory confirmation (positive culture or microscopy for C. diphtheriae), and the specific site of infection.Any unusual or complex manifestations of the disease should also be clearly documented to justify use of A36.8.

** It's important to distinguish A36.8 from other related codes. Z22.- is used for carriers of diphtheria, while O98.- is used for infections complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium. P35-P39 are specific to the perinatal period.