ICD-10 Code A48.3 – Toxic shock syndrome (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A48.3 – Toxic shock syndrome
What it is
A48.3 identifies toxic shock syndrome, a severe systemic illness caused by toxin-producing bacteria. It is used when documentation supports this specific diagnosis, not just nonspecific shock or infection.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include sudden fever, low blood pressure, rash, and involvement of multiple organ systems.
When to use this code
Use A48.3 when the provider documents toxic shock syndrome as the diagnosis, whether associated with staphylococcal or streptococcal infection. It may also apply when the note clearly describes toxic shock syndrome without naming the organism. Check documentation if the record only states sepsis, shock, or toxic symptoms.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for ordinary septic shock, other specified bacterial toxin illnesses, or uncomplicated infection without toxic shock syndrome. If the diagnosis is uncertain, check documentation.
Coding tip
Assign A48.3 only when toxic shock syndrome is explicitly documented; then code any confirmed underlying infection or cause separately, if supported.