2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A36Diphtheria

ICD-10-CM Codes›A00–B99›A30-A49›A36

ICD-10-CM A36
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

A36 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for diphtheria, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as A36.0, A36.1, A36.2, and A36.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
A36
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Diphtheria
Short Description
Diphtheria
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
A30-A49
Other bacterial diseases

Code Classification

ChapterA00–B99Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
SectionA30-A49Other bacterial diseases
CategoryA36Diphtheria
This CodeA36Diphtheria

Specific Coding for DiphtheriaOverview

Non-specific codes like A36 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use A36.0 for Pharyngeal diphtheria

  • Use A36.1 for Nasopharyngeal diphtheria

  • Use A36.2 for Laryngeal diphtheria

  • Use A36.3 for Cutaneous diphtheria

  • A36.8 for Other diphtheria

  • Use A36.81 for Diphtheritic cardiomyopathy

  • Use A36.82 for Diphtheritic radiculomyelitis

  • Use A36.83 for Diphtheritic polyneuritis

  • Use A36.84 for Diphtheritic tubulo-interstitial nephropathy

  • Use A36.85 for Diphtheritic cystitis

  • Use A36.86 for Diphtheritic conjunctivitis

  • Use A36.89 for Other diphtheritic complications

  • Use A36.9 for Diphtheria, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to A36: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 1. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

From Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases applies to 1,068 codes
  • diseases generally recognized as communicable or transmissible

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases applies to 1,068 codes
  • carrier or suspected carrier of infectious disease (Z22.-)
  • certain localized infections - see body system-related chapters
  • infectious and parasitic diseases complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O98.-)
  • infectious and parasitic diseases specific to the perinatal period (P35-P39)
  • influenza and other acute respiratory infections (J00-J22)

Use Additional Code

Add a second code, after this one, to fully describe the condition.

From Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases applies to 1,068 codes
  • code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-)

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Diphtheria

    a localized infection of mucous membranes or skin caused by toxigenic strains of corynebacterium diphtheriae. it is characterized by the presence of a pseudomembrane at the site of infection. diphtheria toxin, produced by c. diphtheriae, can cause myocarditis, polyneuritis, and other systemic toxic effects.

Patient EducationClinical

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. You can catch it from a person who has the infection and coughs or sneezes. You can also get infected by coming in contact with an object, such as a toy, that has bacteria on it.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About A36Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for diphtheria?

A36 is the ICD-10-CM category for diphtheria, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is A36 (Diphtheria) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for diphtheria, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for diphtheria need a more specific code from this category, such as A36.0, A36.1, and A36.2.