ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

A38Scarlet fever

Not billable — use a more specific code

A38 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 4 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About A38

A38 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for Scarlet fever. It belongs to block A30-A49 (other bacterial diseases) and chapter 1 (certain infectious and parasitic diseases). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 4 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: A38.0 (with otitis media), A38.1 (with myocarditis), A38.8 (with other complications) and A38.9 (uncomplicated).

The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of A38, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: streptococcal sore throat (J02.0).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under A38

Coding notes

IncludesFurther defines the content of the category

scarlatina

Excludes2Not included here — may be reported together if both conditions exist

streptococcal sore throat (J02.0)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to A38.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 1: Certain infectious and parasitic diseases.

Codes whose notes reference A38

J02.0Excludes2

Code history

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about A38

Is A38 billable?: No. A38 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.