ICD-10 Code A38.1 – Scarlet fever with myocarditis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A38.1 – Scarlet fever with myocarditis
What it is
This code identifies scarlet fever complicated by myocarditis, meaning the streptococcal illness is documented with inflammation of the heart muscle. Use it when both conditions are clearly linked in the record.
Clinical signs
Typical scarlet fever features include fever, sore throat, and the characteristic rash or “strawberry” tongue. Myocarditis may be noted by chest discomfort, palpitations, dyspnea, or documented cardiac inflammation; clinical features vary, refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use A38.1 when the provider documents scarlet fever and myocarditis together, or states the myocarditis is a complication of scarlet fever. This code supports cases where the heart involvement is part of the same illness episode. If the record only says scarlet fever without cardiac involvement, do not assign this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for scarlet fever without myocarditis, or for myocarditis from another cause. Check documentation when the relationship between the infection and heart findings is unclear.
Coding tip
Code A38.1 only when the linkage to scarlet fever is explicit; otherwise query the provider.