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ICD-10 Coding for Candida Esophagitis(B37.81)

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

Also known as:

Esophageal CandidiasisCandidal Esophagitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Candida Esophagitis

B37-B37.9Primary Range

Candidiasis

This range includes all forms of candidiasis, with B37.81 specifically for esophageal involvement.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for candida esophagitis

Essential facts and insights about Candida Esophagitis

The ICD-10 code for candida esophagitis is B37.81, used when Candida infection is confirmed in the esophagus.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for candida esophagitis

Candidal esophagitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of white plaques in the esophagus confirmed by endoscopy.

documentation Criteria

  • Biopsy confirmation of Candida pseudohyphae.

Applicable To

  • Esophageal candidiasis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic visualization of white plaques/exudates
  • Biopsy confirmation of Candida pseudohyphae

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with B37.89 if 'esophagitis' is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies endoscopic findings and biopsy results.

Ancillary Codes

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

HIV disease

B20
Use if HIV is present as it often coexists with candidal esophagitis.

Long-term (current) use of proton pump inhibitors

Z79.01
Use if PPI use is a contributing factor.

Differential Codes

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

Other forms of candidiasis

B37.89
Use B37.89 for candidiasis in non-esophageal sites.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

K20.0
Differentiate based on biopsy showing eosinophils >15/hpf.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Candida Esophagitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B37.81.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed endoscopic and biopsy documentation., Link symptoms to Candida infection.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use B37.81 for esophageal involvement.

Impact

Coding B37.81 without biopsy confirmation may trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy results are documented.

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 Candida Esophagitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Candida Esophagitis

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

Endoscopic confirmation of Candida esophagitis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Endoscopic findings
  • Biopsy results
  • Symptoms and treatment response

Example Documentation

Endoscopy shows white plaques in the esophagus; biopsy confirms Candida pseudohyphae.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Thrush in esophagus.
Good Documentation Example
Endoscopy reveals white plaques; biopsy confirms Candida pseudohyphae.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and confirmation.

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

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