ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for tetanus
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Tetanus, tetanic (cephalic) (convulsions)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding tetanus
The ICD-10-CM code for tetanus is A35 (Other tetanus). The official index lists 6 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A35.
Don't report A35 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: obstetrical tetanus (A34) and tetanus neonatorum (A33).
As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" 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 791 (Prematurity with Major Problems, relative weight 4.1075), DRG 793 (Full Term Neonate with Major Problems, relative weight 4.2195), DRG 867 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 2.1859), DRG 868 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 1.0235) and DRG 869 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6787), in MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period) and MDC 18 (Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Systemic or Unspecified Sites), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific tetanus codes (official index)
- with
- abortion A34 — Obstetrical tetanus
- ectopic or molar pregnancy O08.0 — Genital tract and pelvic infection following ectopic and molar pregnancy
- following ectopic or molar pregnancy O08.0 — Genital tract and pelvic infection following ectopic and molar pregnancy
- inoculation reaction (due to serum)
- neonatorum A33 — Tetanus neonatorum
- obstetrical A34 — Obstetrical tetanus
- puerperal, postpartum, childbirth A34 — Obstetrical tetanus
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for A35)
Common questions about tetanus ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for tetanus?
- A35 — Other tetanus. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A34, O08.0, O08.0, A33 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for neonatorum tetanus?
- A33 — Tetanus neonatorum.
What is the ICD-10 code for obstetrical tetanus?
- A34 — Obstetrical tetanus.
Is A35 billable?
- Yes. A35 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can A35 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A35 as a principal diagnosis.
Is A35 a CC or MCC?
- A35 is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.