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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA36.85

A36.85

Diphtheritic cystitis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A36.85 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of diphtheritic cystitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Diphtheritic cystitis is a rare but serious condition characterized by inflammation of the bladder due to infection with the diphtheria bacillus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This infection can lead to necrosis of the bladder wall, resulting in severe symptoms such as dysuria, hematuria, and abdominal pain. The condition is often associated with systemic diphtheria infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or those who are unvaccinated. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, urine culture, and possibly cystoscopy to assess the extent of bladder involvement. Treatment primarily focuses on the administration of diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin, to eradicate the bacteria. Due to the potential for antibiotic resistance, susceptibility testing is crucial to guide effective therapy. Early intervention is essential to prevent complications such as bladder perforation or systemic spread of the infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Rarity of the condition leading to limited documentation and coding resources.
  • Need for precise clinical details to differentiate from other types of cystitis.
  • Potential for co-infection with other pathogens complicating the clinical picture.
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on resistance patterns.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the causative organism.
  • Failure to document the severity of symptoms.
  • Lack of evidence for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
  • Misclassification of cystitis type (e.g., bacterial vs. diphtheritic).

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of infection, treatment response, and laboratory results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with urinary symptoms and a history of diphtheria exposure.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of vaccination history and potential for co-infections.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Cystoscopy findings, imaging studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections and abnormal bladder findings.

Billing Considerations

Need for thorough documentation of bladder health and any surgical interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A36.85 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any complications
  • Inclusion criteria include confirmed diphtheritic infection and associated symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A36.85 When
  • Exclusion criteria involve other types of cystitis without diphtheritic involvement

Related CPT Codes

87070CPT Code

Culture, bacterial, any source

Clinical Scenario

Used when urine culture is performed to identify C. diphtheriae.

Documentation Requirements

Document the source of the culture and results.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists may require additional details on resistance patterns.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of diphtheritic cystitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better understanding the epidemiology of the condition and informs public health responses.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of diphtheritic cystitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better understanding the epidemiology of the condition and informs public health responses.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of diphtheritic cystitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better understanding the epidemiology of the condition and informs public health responses.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Diphtheria Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Diphtheria Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of diphtheritic cystitis?

Common symptoms include dysuria, hematuria, abdominal pain, and fever. Patients may also present with systemic symptoms if the infection is severe.