ICD-10 Code A48 – Other bacterial diseases, not elsewhere classified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A48 – Other bacterial diseases, not elsewhere classified
What it is
A48 is a broad ICD-10 category for bacterial infections that do not fit a more specific code. Use it when documentation confirms an unusual or miscellaneous bacterial disease, but the record does not name a better-defined diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Findings usually reflect a bacterial infection, such as localized inflammation, systemic illness, or organ-specific involvement, but the exact presentation depends on the organism and site.
When to use this code
Use A48 when the clinician documents a bacterial disease that is clearly present but not classified elsewhere in ICD-10-CM. It is appropriate when the note lacks a more specific organism, syndrome, or site-based code.
If later documentation identifies a specific bacterial condition, code that diagnosis instead. Check the chart carefully for organism names, anatomic site, or a more precise infectious disease term.
Do not use for
Do not use A48 when the diagnosis has a more specific ICD-10-CM code, including a named bacterial infection or a site-specific infectious disease. Check documentation before defaulting to this category.
Coding tip
Use A48 only after confirming that no more specific bacterial code is supported by the provider’s documentation.