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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for Scarlatina

A38.9

Scarlet fever, uncomplicated

✓ Billable / specificCC — complication/comorbidity

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Scarlatina (anginosa) (maligna)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding Scarlatina

The ICD-10-CM code for Scarlatina is A38.9 (Scarlet fever, uncomplicated). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on A38.9.

Within A38 (Scarlet fever), A38.9 is specifically for Scarlet fever, uncomplicated. Related codes cover with otitis media (A38.0), with myocarditis (A38.1) and with other complications (A38.8).

As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 867 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 2.1859), DRG 868 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 1.0235) and DRG 869 (Other Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6787), in MDC 18 (Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Systemic or Unspecified Sites), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

More specific Scarlatina codes (official index)

  • myocarditis (acute) A38.1 — Scarlet fever with myocarditis
  • old
  • otitis media A38.0 — Scarlet fever with otitis media
  • ulcerosa A38.8 — Scarlet fever with other complications

Common questions about Scarlatina ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for Scarlatina?

A38.9 — Scarlet fever, uncomplicated. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: A38.1, A38.0, A38.8.

What is the ICD-10 code for myocarditis scarlatina?

A38.1 — Scarlet fever with myocarditis.

What is the ICD-10 code for otitis media scarlatina?

A38.0 — Scarlet fever with otitis media.

What is the ICD-10 code for ulcerosa scarlatina?

A38.8 — Scarlet fever with other complications.

Is A38.9 billable?

Yes. A38.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can A38.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict A38.9 as a principal diagnosis.

Is A38.9 a CC or MCC?

A38.9 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.