ICD-10 Code A49.02 – Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, unspecified site (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A49.02 – Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, unspecified site
What it is
A49.02 identifies a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection when the affected site is not documented. Use it for MRSA infection without a more specific anatomic diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. MRSA infection may present with signs of bacterial infection such as redness, swelling, pain, drainage, or fever, but the site must remain unspecified for this code.
When to use this code
Use A49.02 when the provider documents MRSA infection and does not identify a specific body site. It is appropriate when the record confirms methicillin resistance but lacks a more precise diagnosis. If later documentation names a site, code the site-specific infection instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for MRSA colonization, carrier status, or a localized infection with a documented site. Check documentation if the record describes sepsis, pneumonia, or another specific MRSA condition.
Coding tip
Code the most specific MRSA diagnosis available; unspecified site is a fallback only when the chart leaves the location unclear.