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 2026, 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.
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.
Diphtheria Antitoxin
An antitoxin produced against the toxin of CORYNEBACTERIUM DIPHTHERIAE that is used for the treatment of DIPHTHERIA.
Diphtheria Toxin
An ADP-ribosylating polypeptide produced by CORYNEBACTERIUM DIPHTHERIAE that causes the signs and symptoms of DIPHTHERIA. It can be broken into two unequal domains: the smaller, catalytic A domain is the lethal moiety and contains MONO(ADP-RIBOSE) TRANSFERASES which transfers ADP RIBOSE to PEPTIDE ELONGATION FACTOR 2 thereby inhibiting protein synthesis; and the larger B domain that is needed for entry into cells.
Diphtheria Toxoid
The formaldehyde-inactivated toxin of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is generally used in mixtures with TETANUS TOXOID and PERTUSSIS VACCINE; (DTP); or with tetanus toxoid alone (DT for pediatric use and Td, which contains 5- to 10-fold less diphtheria toxoid, for other use). Diphtheria toxoid is used for the prevention of diphtheria; DIPHTHERIA ANTITOXIN is for treatment.
Diphtheria-Tetanus Vaccine
A combined vaccine used to prevent infection with diphtheria and tetanus toxoid. This is used in place of DTP vaccine (DIPHTHERIA-TETANUS-PERTUSSIS VACCINE) when PERTUSSIS VACCINE is contraindicated.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines
Combined vaccines consisting of DIPHTHERIA TOXOID; TETANUS TOXOID; and an acellular form of PERTUSSIS VACCINE. At least five different purified antigens of B. pertussis have been used in various combinations in these vaccines.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine
A vaccine consisting of DIPHTHERIA TOXOID; TETANUS TOXOID; and whole-cell PERTUSSIS VACCINE. The vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
Fowlpox
A poxvirus infection of poultry and other birds characterized by the formation of wart-like nodules on the skin and diphtheritic necrotic masses (cankers) in the upper digestive and respiratory tracts.
Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor
An EGF family member that is expressed in a variety of hematopoietic, endothelial, vascular smooth muscle, and epithelial cells. It is synthesized as a transmembrane protein which is cleaved by proteases to produce the secreted form of the protein which has specificity for the EGF RECEPTOR and the ERBB-4 RECEPTOR. The membrane-bound form of the protein has been identified as the receptor which binds to and allows DIPHTHERIA TOXIN to enter cells.
About the A36 Code Range
ICD-10 code section A36 specifically categorizes diphtheria and its various forms, including its complications affecting different body parts. These codes help accurately identify and document cases ranging from respiratory infections to cardiac and neurological sequelae caused by the diphtheria bacterium.
This ICD-10 code for diphtheria covers subtypes such as A36.0 Pharyngeal diphtheria—also known as faucial diphtheria or paralysis of the palate and uvula—and A36.1 Nasopharyngeal diphtheria, both related to upper respiratory infections. A36.2 is for laryngeal diphtheria, emphasizing infections of the voice box. Skin infections are categorized under A36.3 Cutaneous diphtheria. The section further includes complications like A36.81 diphtheritic cardiomyopathy (heart inflammation linked to diphtheria), neurological conditions such as radiculomyelitis (A36.82) and polyneuritis (A36.83), as well as renal and urinary involvement (A36.84 nephropathy and A36.85 cystitis). Ocular infections such as diphtheritic conjunctivitis have code A36.86. For other complications, including autonomic disorders and less common sites, A36.89 is used. Unspecified diphtheria cases fall under A36.9. Understanding these distinctions is essential when selecting the appropriate ICD-10 code for diphtheria diagnoses and related conditions.
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, 2025 through September 30, 2026. 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 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
