A38
Scarlet fever
Non-billable headerNot valid on its own. Use one of the more specific codes under it.
A38 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code category for scarlet fever. Report a more specific code from it instead. It is part of the FY2027 code set, effective October 1, 2026. The more specific codes under it are A38.0 Scarlet fever with otitis media; A38.1 Scarlet fever with myocarditis; A38.8 Scarlet fever with other complications and A38.9 Scarlet fever, uncomplicated. Its coding notes include a Use additional code instruction and 6 Excludes2 entries.
Use additional code
Add the listed code as a secondary code, if known.
Excludes2
Not included here. Both codes may be reported if the patient has both conditions.
This code
- streptococcal sore throat (J02.0)
Also from chapter/block level (5 notes)
Inherited from Chapter 1 Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
- carrier or suspected carrier of infectious disease (Z22.-)
- certain localized infections - see body system-related chapters
- infectious and parasitic diseases complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O98.-)
- infectious and parasitic diseases specific to the perinatal period (P35-P39)
- influenza and other acute respiratory infections (J00-J22)
Includes
Further defines or gives examples of the content of the category.
This code
- scarlatina
Also from chapter/block level (1 note)
Inherited from Chapter 1 Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
- diseases generally recognized as communicable or transmissible