2025 ICD-10-CM code A36.89
Other diphtheritic complications.This code encompasses diphtheritic complications not otherwise specified, such as diphtheritic peritonitis.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a complication directly resulting from diphtheria that is not addressed by a more specific ICD-10-CM code.Supporting documentation should link the complication to the diphtheria infection.
Clinicians diagnose diphtheritic complications based on patient symptoms, exposure history, and physical examination.Laboratory tests, such as throat cultures, are used to confirm the presence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.Treatment involves administering diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics.Supportive care is provided based on the specific complication. Patient isolation is typically necessary. Patient education on vaccination is important for disease prevention.
In simple words: This code represents complications arising from diphtheria that aren't covered by other, more specific codes. An example is diphtheritic peritonitis, which is an infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity caused by the diphtheria bacteria.
Diphtheria, an infection that commonly affects the upper respiratory system and leads to a thick coating on the back of the throat, is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which is typically acquired by direct contact with respiratory droplets spread when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.This code (A36.89) is used for diphtheritic complications not otherwise classified.
Example 1: A patient presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, and a history of diphtheria.Diagnosis confirms diphtheritic peritonitis, coded as A36.89., A patient with confirmed diphtheria develops skin lesions and neurological symptoms.These complications, not specifically addressed in other codes, are classified under A36.89., A child with diphtheria develops myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).In the absence of a specific code for diphtheritic myocarditis, A36.89 is used to document the complication.
Documentation should include signs, symptoms, history of diphtheria infection, laboratory test results confirming C. diphtheriae, and specifics of the complication to justify use of A36.89.
- Specialties:Infectious disease, internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Office