2025 ICD-10-CM code A36.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Certain infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases 1 Feed
Diphtheria, unspecified.
Medical necessity for treatment of diphtheria is established by the diagnosis itself.The severity and complications will guide the specific treatment approach.
Diagnosis of diphtheria is based on symptoms, exposure history, and physical examination. Throat culture can confirm the presence of the bacteria. Treatment includes diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics. Patient isolation is typically required for 48 hours after starting antibiotics. Prevention involves vaccination with DTaP, Tdap, DT, or Td.
In simple words: Diphtheria is a bacterial infection usually affecting the throat and sometimes the skin. This code indicates diphtheria where no specific type or complication is documented.
Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It commonly affects the upper respiratory system, leading to a thick coating on the back of the throat. This code is used when the type of diphtheria or complication is not specified.
Example 1: A patient presents with sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, and difficulty swallowing. A thick coating is observed on the back of the throat. Diphtheria is suspected, and a throat culture confirms the diagnosis.No other complications are noted. A36.9 is used., A child with a history of incomplete DTaP vaccination series develops a sore throat and difficulty breathing. Physical examination reveals a grayish membrane on the tonsils.Lab tests confirm diphtheria. No specific type or complication is specified, so A36.9 is applied., An adult presents with skin lesions and is diagnosed with diphtheria.The infection is not further specified, and no other complications are documented. A36.9 is used.
Documentation should include signs and symptoms (sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing/swallowing, membrane on throat/tonsils, skin lesions), exposure history, physical exam findings, and laboratory results confirming diphtheria.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Outpatient Hospital