Diphtheria (A36) ICD-10-CM
The A36 code range covers diphtheria with 14 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 12 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Codes in the A36 Range 14 codes · 12 billable
- A36 DiphtheriaNon-billable
- A36.0 Pharyngeal diphtheria
- A36.1 Nasopharyngeal diphtheria
- A36.2 Laryngeal diphtheria
- A36.3 Cutaneous diphtheria
- A36.8 Other diphtheriaNon-billable
- A36.81 Diphtheritic cardiomyopathy
- A36.82 Diphtheritic radiculomyelitis
- A36.83 Diphtheritic polyneuritis
- A36.84 Diphtheritic tubulo-interstitial nephropathy
- A36.85 Diphtheritic cystitis
- A36.86 Diphtheritic conjunctivitis
- A36.89 Other diphtheritic complications
- A36.9 Diphtheria, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the A36 range.
Cutaneous Diphtheria
A usually mild form of diphtheria characterized by infection of the skin by corynebacterium diphtheria and the resulting formation of a chronic, shallow ulcer that is sometimes bordered or followed by a bulla.
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.
Laryngeal Diphtheria
Infection of the larynx by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Nasopharyngeal Diphtheria
Infection of the nasopharynx by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
About the A36 Code Range
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection of the lining of body passages or the skin. It forms a membrane-like layer at the infected site, and its toxin can affect other parts of the body.
The subdivisions of A36 distinguish infection in the throat, behind the nose, in the voice box, or on the skin. Within A36.8, further codes identify effects on the heart muscle, spinal nerve roots and cord, multiple nerves, kidneys, bladder, or eye. A36.89 identifies other complications, while A36.9 is diphtheria without a specified site or complication.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the A36 range?
Of the 14 codes in this range, 12 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the A36 range classify?
The range classifies diphtheria. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
