2025 ICD-10-CM code A38.0
Scarlet fever with otitis media.
Medical necessity for A38.0 is established by the presence of both scarlet fever and otitis media.The documentation must clearly support the diagnosis of both conditions, linking the otitis media as a complication of the scarlet fever. This includes clinical findings and laboratory confirmation of the streptococcal infection.
Clinicians should be aware of the potential for otitis media as a complication of scarlet fever. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through laboratory testing (throat culture). Treatment involves antibiotics, and hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases. Supportive care addresses symptoms like fever and pain.
In simple words: Scarlet fever with an ear infection. Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria and can lead to ear pain, discharge, and headache, along with the usual scarlet fever symptoms like sore throat, fever, chills, painful swallowing, stomach pain, vomiting, and a widespread red rash. It's diagnosed with a throat swab and treated with antibiotics.
Scarlet fever with otitis media (middle ear inflammation) is a complication of scarlet fever, an infectious disease caused by the group A streptococcus bacterium.Scarlet fever is typically spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.The disease commonly causes inflammation of the tonsils and pharynx, primarily affecting children.
Example 1: A 5-year-old child presents with a sore throat, fever, and a characteristic "sandpaper" rash.Upon examination, the child is also found to have otitis media. A throat culture confirms the presence of group A streptococcus, leading to a diagnosis of scarlet fever with otitis media., A 7-year-old child diagnosed with scarlet fever a week prior returns to the clinic with ear pain and drainage.Examination reveals otitis media, indicating a complication of the initial scarlet fever infection., An 8-year-old child presents with fever, headache, earache, and a red rash.Physical examination reveals inflamed tonsils, a red pharynx, and signs of otitis media.A rapid strep test is positive, confirming the diagnosis of scarlet fever with otitis media.
Documentation should include signs and symptoms such as fever, rash, sore throat, ear pain, and discharge.Physical exam findings related to the rash, pharynx, and ear should be noted.Laboratory results confirming the presence of group A streptococcus (e.g., throat culture, rapid strep test) are crucial.
- Specialties:Pediatrics, Infectious Disease, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital