Is ICD-10-CM code A38 billable?

No, A38 (Scarlet fever) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code A38 belong to?

A38 belongs to Chapter 1 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: A00–B99 (Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases).

A38Not billable, use a more specific code below

Scarlet fever

In Other bacterial diseases (A30-A49), chapter 1: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

4 billable codes under A38: all are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

scarlatina

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

streptococcal sore throat (J02.0)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Rules for coding infections and parasitic diseases, including HIV, organism and drug resistance codes, sepsis and septic shock, MRSA, Zika, and COVID-19.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections (page 19)
Infectious agents as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters (page 22)
Infections resistant to antibiotics (page 22)
Sepsis, Severe Sepsis, and Septic Shock (page 23)
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Conditions (page 27)
Zika virus infections (page 28)
Coronavirus infections (page 28)

Read Section I.C.1 (page 19)

All codes under A38

A38 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

A38 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 4 billable codes under A38 group to MS-DRG 867, 868, or 869 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to A38

Notes on these codes point to A38.

J02.0 Excludes2: scarlet fever (A38.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Streptococcal Infections

Strep is short for Streptococcus, a type of bacteria that often lives in your nose and throat. Most strep infections are mild, but some may become serious depending on your overall health.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.