2025 ICD-10-CM code A38
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina.
Medical necessity for treatment of scarlet fever is established by the presence of signs and symptoms consistent with the infection, confirmed by a positive strep test or throat culture.Prompt treatment with antibiotics is medically necessary to prevent potential complications like rheumatic fever or kidney disease.
Clinicians should diagnose and treat scarlet fever. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam assessing the rash and throat, often combined with a rapid strep test or throat culture. Treatment primarily consists of antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, to combat the streptococcal infection and prevent complications. Supportive care includes managing fever and discomfort with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
In simple words: Scarlet fever is an infection that causes a red, bumpy rash all over the body. It's caused by the same bacteria as strep throat. It's most common in children, but adults can get it too.
Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial illness caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus (GAS). This is the same bacteria responsible for strep throat.The bacteria release a toxin that produces a characteristic bright red, sandpaper-like rash.Scarlet fever primarily affects children between 5 and 15 years old.
Example 1: A 7-year-old child presents with a sore throat, fever, and a distinctive red, sandpaper-like rash spreading from the neck and chest to the rest of the body. A rapid strep test is positive, confirming scarlet fever., A 10-year-old child has a confirmed case of strep throat and subsequently develops a widespread rash and fever. This indicates progression to scarlet fever., A 30-year-old adult with impetigo (a skin infection also caused by Streptococcus pyogenes) develops a fever, sore throat, and a characteristic scarlet fever rash, demonstrating that adults can also contract scarlet fever, sometimes secondary to a skin infection.
Documentation should include the presence of the characteristic rash, details about its appearance (e.g., sandpaper-like texture, distribution), associated symptoms like sore throat and fever, results of diagnostic tests (rapid strep test or throat culture), and the prescribed antibiotic treatment.
- Specialties:Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Urgent Care Facility, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home