A36
Non-billableDiphtheria
Diphtheria
This is a header/category code. For billing purposes, use a more specific child code from the list below.
Coding Notes
Includes
Conditions included under this code
- diseases generally recognized as communicable or transmissible
Excludes 1
Codes that cannot be used together with this code (mutual exclusion)
- certain localized infections - see body system-related chapters
Excludes 2
Conditions not included here, but the patient may have both
Use Additional Code
Additional codes that should follow this code
Child Codes (6)
ICD-11 Equivalents(1)
ICD-11 Equivalents
View full mappingCorresponding ICD-11 codes from the WHO crosswalk mapping
Also Known As / Clinical Terms(3)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for diphtheria?
The ICD-10-CM code for diphtheria is A36. The full clinical description is "Diphtheria". A36 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code for billing purposes.
What does ICD-10 code A36 mean?
ICD-10-CM code A36 represents “Diphtheria”. It is classified under Chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code for billing purposes.
Is A36 a billable code?
No, A36 is a non-billable header code. You need to use one of its more specific child codes for billing. There are 6 child codes under A36.
What chapter is A36 in?
A36 is in Chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (codes A00-B99).
What codes cannot be used with A36?
A36 has Excludes1 notes indicating codes that cannot be used together with it, including: certain localized infections - see body system-related chapters.
What are the subcategories under A36?
A36 has 6 child codes, including: A36.0 (Pharyngeal diphtheria), A36.1 (Nasopharyngeal diphtheria), A36.2 (Laryngeal diphtheria), A36.3 (Cutaneous diphtheria), and 2 more.
Are additional codes required with A36?
Yes, when using A36, also report: resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-).
What are the UMLS CUIs for A36?
A36 is linked to 1 UMLS Concept Unique Identifier: C0012546. The UMLS (Unified Medical Language System) integrates multiple biomedical vocabularies maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
How does A36 relate to ICF functioning codes?
ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) codes describe how conditions like diphtheria affect a person's functioning — body functions, activities, participation, and environmental factors. AutoICD provides ICF Core Sets for 12+ conditions and can map clinical text to ICF categories automatically. Browse the ICF directory to explore functioning codes.
What is the ICD-11 equivalent of A36?
A36 maps to the ICD-11 code: 1C17.Z (Diphtheria, unspecified).
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Includes SNOMED Clinical Terms® (SNOMED CT®) used by permission of SNOMED International. Includes content from the UMLS Metathesaurus, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.