Diphtheria, unspecified

This code represents a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by a sore throat, fever, and the formation of a thick gray membrane covering the tonsils and pharynx. It can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, nerves, and kidneys due to the toxin produced by the bacteria.

Assign this code for documented cases of diphtheria where the specific type or site of the infection is not further specified in the medical record. This diagnosis is typically made based on clinical presentation and confirmed by laboratory isolation of C. diphtheriae.

• Always review documentation for more specific diphtheria codes (e.g., pharyngeal, cutaneous) before assigning this unspecified code.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter or hospitalization.
• Ensure documentation clearly supports a diagnosis of diphtheria, not just a suspected case, for accurate coding.