ICD-10 Code A49.8 – Other bacterial infections of unspecified site (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A49.8 – Other bacterial infections of unspecified site
What it is
A49.8 identifies a bacterial infection when the organism is bacterial, but the site is not specified or does not fit a more specific code. Use it for documented bacterial infection without a clearer anatomic location.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see nonspecific signs of infection such as fever, pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, but the record must support a bacterial infection.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents an “other bacterial infection” and does not identify a specific site that has its own ICD-10-CM code. It also fits cases where the infection is bacterial but the location remains unspecified after evaluation. Check documentation if the note is vague.
Do not use for
Do not use A49.8 when a more specific site-based infection code is documented, or when the organism is viral, fungal, or parasitic. If the chart names a better-defined diagnosis, code that instead.
Coding tip
Query for the infection site whenever the note says only “bacterial infection,” because a more specific code may be available.