What is this code?
ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents other diphtheria in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
- This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.
Code hierarchy
chapter
1Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
block
A30-A49Other bacterial diseases
category
A36Diphtheria
currentA36
Where you may see this code
You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.
Related specialists
Infectious Disease SpecialistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 194945009high
Acute myocarditis - diphtheritic
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 15682004high
Anterior nasal diphtheria
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1259059003high
Autonomic disorder due to diphtheria
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1086051000119107high
Cardiomyopathy due to diphtheria
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 7773002high
Conjunctival diphtheria
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 186347006high
Diphtheria of penis
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
A36.8
Replacement codes
A36.81 — Diphtheritic cardiomyopathyA36.82 — Diphtheritic radiculomyelitisA36.83 — Diphtheritic polyneuritisA36.84 — Diphtheritic tubulo-interstitial nephropathyA36.85 — Diphtheritic cystitisA36.86 — Diphtheritic conjunctivitisA36.89 — Other diphtheritic complications
Common synonyms
Other diphtheria
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.