ICD-10 Code A33 – Tetanus neonatorum (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A33 – Tetanus neonatorum
What it is
A33 identifies tetanus neonatorum, a severe neonatal infection caused by tetanus toxin. It is used when a newborn develops tetanus, usually linked to contamination of the umbilical stump or poor perinatal hygiene.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include poor feeding, rigidity, muscle spasms, and difficulty opening the mouth. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the specific newborn presentation and timing.
When to use this code
Use A33 when the provider documents tetanus in a newborn or neonate, including cases described as neonatal tetanus or tetanus neonatorum. Code only when the record clearly supports this diagnosis. Check documentation if the note mentions suspected exposure without confirmed disease.
Do not use for
Do not use A33 for tetanus in older infants, children, or adults. Do not use it for routine umbilical infection, sepsis, or muscle spasm without documentation of tetanus.
Coding tip
Look for explicit neonatal tetanus wording in the provider note; if the diagnosis is unclear, query before assigning A33.