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  6. 2025 ICD-10-CM Code A38
Version 2025
Non-Billable Code

2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A38

Scarlet fever

ICD-10-CM Code:
A38
ICD-10 Code for:
Scarlet fever
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

A38 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of scarlet fever. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2025 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Scarlet fever

Non-specific codes like A38 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for scarlet fever:

  • Use A38.0 for Scarlet fever with otitis media - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use A38.1 for Scarlet fever with myocarditis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use A38.8 for Scarlet fever with other complications - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use A38.9 for Scarlet fever, uncomplicated - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
    (A00–B99)
    • Other bacterial diseases
      (A30-A49)
      • Scarlet fever
        (A38)

Clinical Information

  • Scarlet Fever

    infection with group a streptococci that is characterized by tonsillitis and pharyngitis. an erythematous rash is commonly present.

  • Scarlet Fever

    a streptococcal infection, mainly occurring among children, that is characterized by a red skin rash, sore throat, and fever.

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Includes

Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • scarlatina

Type 2 Excludes

Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
  • streptococcal sore throat J02.0

Patient Education


Streptococcal Infections

Strep is short for Streptococcus, a type of bacteria. There are several types. Two of them cause most of the strep infections in people: group A and group B.

Group A strep causes:

  • Strep throat - a sore, red throat. Your tonsils may be swollen and have white spots on them.
  • Scarlet fever - an illness that follows strep throat. It causes a red rash on the body.
  • Impetigo - a skin infection
  • Toxic shock syndrome
  • Cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease)

Group B strep can cause blood infections, pneumonia and meningitis in newborns. A screening test during pregnancy can tell if you have it. If you do, intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor can save your baby's life. Adults can also get group B strep infections, especially if they are 65 or older or already have health problems. Strep B can cause urinary tract infections, blood infections, skin infections and pneumonia in adults.

Antibiotics are used to treat strep infections.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.