A38.9 Scarlet fever, uncomplicated

The ICD-10-CM code for Scarlet fever, uncomplicated is A38.9 (FY2026). It is a billable, claim-ready diagnosis code.

Classification

Chapter

1: Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)

Section

A30-A49: Other bacterial diseases (A30-A49)

Category A38

5 codes (4 billable)

FY2026 Status

Stable since FY2024

Also Known As

ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index entries that lead to A38.9:

• Scarlet fever (albuminuria) (angina)
• Scarlatina (anginosa) (maligna)
• Canker (mouth) (sore) › rash
• Rash (toxic) › canker
• Febris, febrile › rubra
• Fever (inanition) (of unknown origin) (persistent) (with chills) (with rigor) › scarlet
• Rash (toxic) › scarlet
• Disease, diseased › Fothergill's › scarlatina anginosa

Inclusion Terms

• Scarlet fever, NOS

U.S. Hospital Utilization

• An estimated 705 U.S. inpatient stays in 2023 included A38.9 among the documented diagnoses.
• 220 stays listed it as the principal diagnosis.

Source: National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2016–2023. National survey-weighted estimates.

Official Coding Guidelines

HIV Infections (TOC entry)

a. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections .............................................................. 19

Infectious agents causing diseases in other chapters (TOC)

b. Infectious agents as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters ................................. 22

Source: CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026

References

• CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Code Set and Guidelines, FY2026
• CDC/NCHS — ICD-10-CM Files and Browser Tool
• AHRQ — HCUP National Inpatient Sample, Frequencies by Diagnosis Code (2016–2023)