Other bacterial diseases, not elsewhere classified (A48) ICD-10-CM
The A48 code range covers other bacterial diseases, not elsewhere classified with 10 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 8 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- actinomycetoma B47.1
Codes in the A48 Range 10 codes · 8 billable
- A48 Other bacterial diseases, not elsewhere classifiedNon-billable
- A48.0 Gas gangrene
- A48.1 Legionnaires' disease
- A48.2 Nonpneumonic Legionnaires' disease [Pontiac fever]
- A48.3 Toxic shock syndrome
- A48.4 Brazilian purpuric fever
- A48.5 Other specified botulismNon-billable
- A48.51 Infant botulism
- A48.52 Wound botulism
- A48.8 Other specified bacterial diseases
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the A48 range.
Gas Gangrene
A severe condition resulting from bacteria invading healthy muscle from adjacent traumatized muscle or soft tissue. The infection originates in a wound contaminated with bacteria of the genus CLOSTRIDIUM. C. perfringens accounts for the majority of cases (over eighty percent), while C. noyvi, C. septicum, and C. histolyticum cause most of the other cases.
Infant Botulism
Botulism that is caused by contact with spores of Clostridial bacteria, which subsequently grow in the intestine and release toxin.
Legionnaires' Disease
An acute, sometimes fatal, pneumonia-like bacterial infection characterized by high fever, malaise, muscle aches, respiratory disorders and headache. It is named for an outbreak at the 1976 Philadelphia convention of the American Legion.
Rhinoscleroma
A granulomatous disease caused by KLEBSIELLA RHINOSCLEROMATIS infection. Despite its name, this disease is not limited to the nose and NASOPHARYNX but may affect any part of the RESPIRATORY TRACT, sometimes with extension to the lip and the skin.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
A rare acute life-threatening systemic bacterial noncontagious illness caused by any of several related staphylococcal exotoxins. It is characterized by high fever, hypotension, rash, multi-organ dysfunction, and cutaneous desquamation during the early convalescent period. The toxins affect the host immune system, causing an exuberant and pathological host inflammatory response. Laboratory findings include leukocytosis, elevated prothrombin time, hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia, and pyuria.
Wound Botulism
Botulism that is caused by toxin that is produced in a wound contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.
About the A48 Code Range
This category groups bacterial diseases that are not classified elsewhere. Its subdivisions separate named diseases and forms of botulism.
A48.0 identifies gas gangrene. A48.1 identifies Legionnaires' disease, while A48.2 identifies its nonpneumonic form, also called Pontiac fever. Separate codes identify toxic shock syndrome (A48.3) and Brazilian purpuric fever (A48.4).
Other specified botulism (A48.5) divides into infant botulism (A48.51) and wound botulism (A48.52). A48.8 identifies other specified bacterial diseases.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the A48 range?
Of the 10 codes in this range, 8 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the A48 range classify?
The range classifies other bacterial diseases, not elsewhere classified. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
