2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A38Scarlet fever

ICD-10-CM Codes›A00–B99›A30-A49›A38

ICD-10-CM A38
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

A38 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for scarlet fever, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as A38.0, A38.1, A38.8, and A38.9.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
A38
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Scarlet fever
Short Description
Scarlet fever
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
A30-A49
Other bacterial diseases

Code Classification

ChapterA00–B99Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
SectionA30-A49Other bacterial diseases
CategoryA38Scarlet fever
This CodeA38Scarlet fever

Specific Coding for Scarlet feverOverview

Non-specific codes like A38 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use A38.0 for Scarlet fever with otitis media

  • Use A38.1 for Scarlet fever with myocarditis

  • Use A38.8 for Scarlet fever with other complications

  • Use A38.9 for Scarlet fever, uncomplicated

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to A38: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 1. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

On A38 itself
  • scarlatina
From Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases applies to 1,068 codes
  • diseases generally recognized as communicable or transmissible

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

On A38 itself
  • streptococcal sore throat (J02.0)
From Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases applies to 1,068 codes
  • 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)

Use Additional Code

Add a second code, after this one, to fully describe the condition.

From Chapter 1 (A00-B99) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases applies to 1,068 codes
  • code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-)

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name A38, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 1

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming A38: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • J02.0 Streptococcal pharyngitis
    scarlet fever (A38.-)

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Scarlet Fever

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

Patient EducationClinical

Streptococcal Infections

Strep is short for Streptococcus, a type of bacteria that often lives in your nose and throat. Most strep infections are mild, but some may become serious depending on your overall health.

The full article covers:

  • What are streptococcal infections?
  • How do streptococcal infections spread?
  • Who is more likely to get a streptococcal infection?
  • What are the symptoms of streptococcal infections?
  • How are streptococcal infections diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for streptococcal infections?
  • Can streptococcal infections be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About A38Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for scarlet fever?

A38 is the ICD-10-CM category for scarlet fever, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is A38 (Scarlet fever) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for scarlet fever, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for scarlet fever need a more specific code from this category, such as A38.0, A38.1, and A38.8.