What is this code?
ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. 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 scarlet fever in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.
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.
- This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.
Code hierarchy
chapter
1Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
block
A30-A49Other bacterial diseases
currentA30-A49
Official coding notes
Includes
- scarlatina
Excludes2 (may code together if documented)
- streptococcal sore throat (J02.0)
Where you may see this code
You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.
Related specialists
Infectious Disease SpecialistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
A30Leprosy [Hansen's disease]A31Infection due to other mycobacteriaA32ListeriosisA33Tetanus neonatorumbillableA34Obstetrical tetanusbillableA35Other tetanusbillableA36DiphtheriaA37Whooping coughA39Meningococcal infectionA40Streptococcal sepsisA41Other sepsisA42ActinomycosisA43NocardiosisA44BartonellosisA46ErysipelasbillableA48Other bacterial diseases, not elsewhere classifiedA49Bacterial infection of unspecified site
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 1089931000119105high
Myocarditis due to scarlet fever
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1090001000119105high
Otitis media due to scarlet fever
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 30242009high
Scarlet fever
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 238427006high
Staphylococcal scarlatina
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
A38
Replacement codes
A38.0 — Scarlet fever with otitis mediaA38.1 — Scarlet fever with myocarditisA38.8 — Scarlet fever with other complicationsA38.9 — Scarlet fever, uncomplicated
Common synonyms
Scarlet fever
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.