ICD-10-CM A38 is the diagnosis code for Scarlet fever. This code falls under the section "Other bacterial diseases" within Chapter 1 â Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
The following conditions are not included in A38. If the patient has both, code each condition separately:
Understanding where A38 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, A38 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
A38 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Scarlet fever". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
A38 is located in Section A30-A49 â "Other bacterial diseases" within Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
A38 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: A38.0, A38.1, A38.8, A38.9.
Use A38 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Scarlet fever" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Scarlet fever is A38.
No, A38 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
A38 is in Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Yes, A38 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.