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ICD-10 Coding for Balanitis(B37.42, N48.1, N47.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Balanitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Inflammation of the glansCandidal balanitisBalanoposthitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Balanitis

B37.42Primary Range

Candidal balanitis

Used when balanitis is caused by a confirmed Candida infection.

Balanitis, unspecified

Used when balanitis is diagnosed without a specific pathogen identified.

Balanoposthitis

Used when both the glans and foreskin are inflamed.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B37.42Candidal balanitisUse when Candida infection is confirmed by lab tests.
  • KOH prep or fungal culture confirming Candida
  • Presence of yeast-like organisms on microscopy
N48.1Balanitis, unspecifiedUse when balanitis is diagnosed without a specific pathogen.
  • Documentation of erythema and swelling without identified pathogen
N47.6BalanoposthitisUse when both the glans and foreskin are inflamed.
  • Documentation of inflammation of both glans and foreskin

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for candidal balanitis

Essential facts and insights about Balanitis

The ICD-10 code for candidal balanitis is B37.42, used when a Candida infection is confirmed by lab tests.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for balanitis

Candidal balanitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed Candida infection via lab tests

Applicable To

  • Candidal infection of the glans

Excludes

  • Balanitis due to other specified organisms

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • KOH prep or fungal culture confirming Candida
  • Presence of yeast-like organisms on microscopy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without lab confirmation of Candida

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab confirmation of Candida before using this code.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

E11.9
Use when diabetes is a contributing factor.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

B95-B97
Use to specify the infectious agent if identified.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Balanitis, unspecified

N48.1
Use when no specific pathogen is identified.

Candidal balanitis

B37.42
Use when Candida is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Balanitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B37.42.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: May result in denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide detailed clinical findings., Include lab results when applicable.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab tests confirm Candida before coding.

Impact

Using B37.42 without lab confirmation of Candida.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results confirm Candida before coding.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Balanitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Balanitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Balanitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Candidal balanitis in a diabetic patient

Specialty: Urology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Lab test results
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

SUBJECTIVE: 62M with DM presents with 1-week history of glans itching and white discharge. OBJECTIVE: Glans erythema with curd-like discharge. Foreskin retractable. LAB: KOH prep positive for hyphae. ASSESSMENT: Candidal balanitis in setting of uncontrolled diabetes (A1C 9.2%). PLAN: Topical clotrimazole; DM education.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Balanitis treated with antifungal cream.
Good Documentation Example
Erythema, pruritus, and white discharge of glans; KOH prep shows pseudohyphae → candidal balanitis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and lab results supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Balanitis? Ask your questions below.

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