A35

What This Code Means

This code represents tetanus infections that don't fit into the neonatal or obstetric categories, including cases where the tetanus developed from wounds, burns, or other injuries. It's a serious bacterial infection caused by toxins from Clostridium tetani that affects the nervous system and causes muscle rigidity and spasms.

Coding Tips

• •Verify the clinical documentation specifies the type of tetanus (generalized, localized, or cephalic) and the source of infection (wound, burn, surgical site) to ensure accurate coding
• •Do not use A35 for neonatal tetanus (A33) or tetanus complicating pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium (O34.0, O86.0); confirm the patient's age and obstetric status before assigning this code