ICD-10 Code A38.0 – Scarlet fever with otitis media (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A38.0 – Scarlet fever with otitis media
What it is
A38.0 identifies scarlet fever when it occurs with otitis media. Use it for a streptococcal illness that includes the classic rash and a middle-ear infection documented by the provider.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include fever, sore throat, a sandpaper-like rash, strawberry tongue, and signs of otitis media such as ear pain or abnormal tympanic membrane findings. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly links scarlet fever to otitis media in the same encounter. It fits cases where the provider documents both conditions together, or states otitis media is part of the scarlet fever presentation. Check documentation if the ear infection is not specified as associated.
Do not use for
Do not use A38.0 for scarlet fever without ear involvement, or for otitis media caused by another organism or unrelated to scarlet fever. If the documentation is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the provider explicitly documents the association between scarlet fever and otitis media before assigning A38.0.