ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code A48.3: Toxic shock syndrome
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents toxic shock syndrome in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
1Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
block
A30-A49Other bacterial diseases
category
A48Other bacterial diseases, not elsewhere classified
currentA48
Official coding notes
Applicable to
- code to identify the organism (B95, B96)
Excludes1 (do not code together)
- endotoxic shock NOS (R57.8)
- sepsis NOS (A41.9)
Use additional code
- code to identify the organism (B95, B96)
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
Infectious Disease SpecialistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 96366high
INTRAVENOUS INFUSION, FOR THERAPY, PROPHYLAXIS, OR DIAGNOSIS (SPECIFY SUBSTANCE OR DRUG); EACH ADDITIONAL HOUR (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 96365high
INTRAVENOUS INFUSION, FOR THERAPY, PROPHYLAXIS, OR DIAGNOSIS (SPECIFY SUBSTANCE OR DRUG); INITIAL, UP TO 1 HOUR
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 240450004high
Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 240451000high
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 18504008high
Toxic shock syndrome
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 127421000119109high
Toxic shock syndrome caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 127411000119102high
Toxic shock syndrome caused by methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
A48.3
Common synonyms
Toxic shock syndrome
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.