A36.9
Billable

Diphtheria, unspecified

Billable / Specific Code

What is Diphtheria, unspecified?

ICD-10-CM A36.9 is the diagnosis code for Diphtheria, unspecified. This code falls under the section "Other bacterial diseases" within Chapter 1 — Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). It is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for A36.9

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where A36.9 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Current CodeA36.9 — Diphtheria, unspecified
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A36.9 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, A36.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What does A36.9 mean?

A36.9 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Diphtheria, unspecified". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of A36.9?

The parent code of A36.9 is A36 ("Diphtheria"). A36.9 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is A36.9 in?

A36.9 is located in Section A30-A49 — "Other bacterial diseases" within Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

When should I use A36.9?

Use A36.9 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Diphtheria, unspecified" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Diphtheria, unspecified?

The ICD-10-CM code for Diphtheria, unspecified is A36.9.

Can A36.9 be used for primary diagnosis?

Yes, A36.9 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.

What chapter is A36.9 in?

A36.9 is in Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is A36.9 valid for 2026?

Yes, A36.9 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousA36.89Other diphtheritic complicationsNext →A37Whooping cough
Code Details
A36.9
Diphtheria, unspecified
Billable / Specific Code
1 — Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
A30-A49 — Other bacterial diseases
2026 ICD-10-CM