Screening examination for diphtheria

This code signifies an encounter for the purpose of screening for diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection. It indicates that the patient is asymptomatic and the examination is performed to detect the presence of the disease in the absence of any suspected infection.

This code is appropriate when a patient undergoes a routine screening test for diphtheria, such as a throat swab for culture, without presenting any signs or symptoms of the disease. It would be used in public health initiatives or occupational health settings where diphtheria screening is mandated or recommended for asymptomatic individuals.

• Do not use this code if the patient presents with symptoms suggestive of diphtheria; in such cases, a definitive diagnosis code or a "rule out" code would be more appropriate.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the sole reason for the encounter is the screening examination.
• Ensure supporting documentation clearly states the purpose of the visit was for diphtheria screening.