ICD-10 Code A37 – Whooping cough (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A37 – Whooping cough
What it is
A37 identifies whooping cough, also called pertussis, a contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is used when the record documents pertussis or whooping cough without a more specific subtype.
Clinical signs
Typical features include prolonged coughing spells, inspiratory “whoop,” and posttussive vomiting. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation when the note does not clearly confirm pertussis.
When to use this code
Use A37 when the clinician documents whooping cough or pertussis and no more specific ICD-10 code is supported. It may apply to confirmed infection, suspected cases recorded as diagnosed, or unspecified pertussis in the chart. Check documentation for organism, subtype, or complication details before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use A37 for other causes of acute or chronic cough, viral bronchitis, or nonspecific respiratory infection. If the record identifies a different Bordetella species or another diagnosis, code that condition instead.
Coding tip
Match the code to the documented term exactly, and look for any specified pertussis subtype or complication before defaulting to A37.