Nasopharyngeal diphtheria

This code represents a confirmed diagnosis of diphtheria specifically affecting the nasopharynx. Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infection characterized by a pseudomembrane formation, and this code specifies the anatomical site of infection within the upper respiratory tract.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of nasopharyngeal diphtheria, typically confirmed by laboratory findings (e.g., culture of Corynebacterium diphtheriae) and clinical presentation. It is used for active infections requiring treatment and isolation.

• Ensure documentation specifies "nasopharyngeal" to differentiate from other anatomical sites of diphtheria.
• Do not use this code for diphtheria carriers or for sequelae of diphtheria; separate codes exist for those conditions.
• Consider sequencing with codes for any associated complications, such as myocarditis or polyneuropathy, if present.