ICD-10-CM A36 is the diagnosis code for Diphtheria. This code falls under the section "Other bacterial diseases" within Chapter 1 — Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
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.
Understanding where A36 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, A36 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
A36 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Diphtheria". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
A36 is located in Section A30-A49 — "Other bacterial diseases" within Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
A36 has 6 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: A36.0, A36.1, A36.2, A36.3, A36.8 and more.
Use A36 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Diphtheria" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Diphtheria is A36.
No, A36 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
A36 is in Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Yes, A36 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.