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2025 ICD-10-CM code A38.9

Scarlet fever without complications.

Use additional code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-). Do not use this code if scarlet fever is complicated by otitis media (A38.0), myocarditis (A38.1), or other complications (A38.8).

Treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is medically necessary to prevent potential complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney disease (glomerulonephritis), and ear infections.

Diagnosis and treatment of scarlet fever. This includes evaluating the patient's symptoms, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests (such as throat cultures), prescribing antibiotics (usually penicillin or amoxicillin), and managing any complications that may arise.

In simple words: This code is used when someone has scarlet fever but doesn't have any other health problems because of it.

Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is an infectious disease caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is characterized by a sore throat, fever, chills, difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, vomiting, and a distinctive red rash.This code is specifically for scarlet fever cases without any documented complications.

Example 1: A 7-year-old child presents with a sore throat, fever, and a red sandpaper-like rash on their chest and neck. A throat culture confirms the presence of group A Streptococcus, and a diagnosis of uncomplicated scarlet fever is made., A 10-year-old child develops a fever, headache, and a generalized rash after a recent sore throat. The rash is described as feeling like sandpaper and is accompanied by a strawberry tongue. The child is diagnosed with scarlet fever, and no other complications are noted., A 5-year-old child is brought to the clinic with a fever, sore throat, and swollen glands. A rapid strep test is positive, and the child also exhibits a characteristic red rash. Uncomplicated scarlet fever is diagnosed.

Confirmation of group A Streptococcus infection (e.g., positive throat culture or rapid strep test), presence of characteristic signs and symptoms (fever, sore throat, sandpaper-like rash, strawberry tongue), absence of complications (such as otitis media, myocarditis, or rheumatic fever).

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