ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for diphtheritic tonsillitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Tonsillitis (acute) (catarrhal) (croupous) (follicular) (gangrenous) (infective) (lacunar) (lingual) (malignant) (membranous) (parenchymatous) (phlegmonous) (pseudomembranous) (purulent) (septic) (subacute) (suppurative) (toxic) (ulcerative) (vesicular) (viral) › diphtheritic”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding diphtheritic tonsillitis
The ICD-10-CM code for diphtheritic tonsillitis is A36.0 (Pharyngeal diphtheria).
Within A36 (diphtheria), A36.0 is specifically for pharyngeal diphtheria. Related codes cover nasopharyngeal diphtheria (A36.1), laryngeal diphtheria (A36.2), cutaneous diphtheria (A36.3), other diphtheria (A36.8) and unspecified (A36.9).
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 011 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCC, relative weight 5.6154), DRG 012 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CC, relative weight 4.381), DRG 013 (Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCC, relative weight 2.7307), DRG 154 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 1.5921), DRG 155 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 0.9322) and DRG 156 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6659), in Pre-MDC and MDC 03 (Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about diphtheritic tonsillitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for diphtheritic tonsillitis?
- A36.0 — Pharyngeal diphtheria.
Is A36.0 billable?
- Yes. A36.0 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can A36.0 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A36.0 as a principal diagnosis.
Is A36.0 a CC or MCC?
- A36.0 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.