A38.9

What This Code Means

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus that produces a characteristic red rash, typically following a strep throat infection. This code represents scarlet fever without any serious complications.

Coding Tips

• •Verify that the scarlet fever is truly uncomplicated; if there are complications such as rheumatic fever, abscess, or other sequelae, use a more specific code
• •Scarlet fever is reportable in most jurisdictions; ensure proper documentation of the streptococcal infection and consider coding the underlying strep throat (J06.9 or more specific pharyngitis code) if documented