Scarlet fever, uncomplicated

This code represents an acute bacterial infection, typically caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), characterized by a distinctive red rash, sore throat, and fever, without any specified complications. It is a systemic illness following a streptococcal pharyngitis or skin infection.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of scarlet fever without mention of associated complications such as rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, or sepsis. This diagnosis is typically supported by clinical findings of a scarlatiniform rash, pharyngitis, and a positive streptococcal test.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "uncomplicated" or lacks any mention of specific complications.
• Do not use this code if the patient presents with sequelae such as acute rheumatic fever (I00-I02) or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (N00-N08).
• Code the underlying streptococcal infection (e.g., J02.0 for streptococcal pharyngitis) if scarlet fever is not explicitly diagnosed but is suspected to be the cause of the patient's symptoms.