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A36.0

Billable

Pharyngeal diphtheria

This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).

What This Code Means

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the throat and can cause a thick, grayish membrane to form in the back of the throat, making it difficult to breathe and swallow. This condition is preventable by vaccination and requires immediate medical treatment with antibiotics and antitoxin.

Coding Tips

  • •Verify documentation confirms diphtheria affecting the pharynx specifically, as diphtheria can affect other sites (cutaneous, respiratory, etc.) with different codes
  • •Ensure the provider has documented the clinical findings or laboratory confirmation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae to support this diagnosis code

Code Hierarchy

└A36Diphtheria└A36.0Pharyngeal diphtheria
└A36.0Pharyngeal diphtheria

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