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ICD-10 Coding for Candida Infection(B37.0, B37.3, B37.7)

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

Also known as:

CandidiasisYeast InfectionThrush

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Candida Infection

B37.0-B37.9Primary Range

Candidiasis

This range covers all forms of candidiasis, including oral, vulvovaginal, and systemic infections.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B37.0Candidal stomatitisUse when oral thrush is confirmed by lab tests.
  • White plaques on tongue/mucosa with microscopy/Culture/PCR confirmation
B37.3Candidiasis of vulva and vaginaUse when vulvovaginal candidiasis is confirmed by KOH prep.
  • Pruritus, curd-like discharge plus KOH prep showing pseudohyphae
B37.7Candidal sepsisUse when sepsis is confirmed to be due to Candida.
  • Blood cultures positive for Candida species

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: How to code Candida UTI with sepsis?

Essential facts and insights about Candida Infection

Code B37.7 as the principal diagnosis and B37.49 as secondary if urinary symptoms are documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for candida infection

Candidal stomatitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of white plaques confirmed by lab tests

Applicable To

  • Oral thrush

Excludes

  • Neonatal candidiasis (P37.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • White plaques on tongue/mucosa with microscopy/Culture/PCR confirmation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosis if not confirmed by lab tests

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab confirmation is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Severe sepsis without shock

R65.20
Use if organ failure is present.

Differential Codes

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

Other superficial mycoses

B36.9
Use B37.0 for confirmed candidal infection, not B36.9.

Acute vaginitis

N76.0
Use B37.3 for confirmed candidiasis, not N76.0.

Sepsis, unspecified organism

A41.9
Use B37.7 for confirmed candidal sepsis, not A41.9.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Candida Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B37.0.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguous diagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Specify site of infection, Include lab confirmation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Use B37.0 for oral candidiasis.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding without blood culture documentation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure blood culture results are documented 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 Candida Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Candida Infection

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

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Specialty: Gynecology

Required Elements

  • History of symptoms
  • Physical exam findings
  • Lab test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

[History] 32yo F c/o pruritus, thick white discharge ×3d. No recent antibiotics. Sexually active, monogamous. [Exam] Vulvar erythema, curd-like discharge. pH 4.2. KOH prep: pseudohyphae present. [Assessment] Acute vulvovaginal candidiasis (B37.3). [Plan] Fluconazole 150mg ×1 dose.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Yeast infection noted.
Good Documentation Example
Vulvovaginal candidiasis confirmed by KOH prep showing budding yeast.
Explanation
The good example specifies the site and lab confirmation, which is required for accurate coding.

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

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