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ICD-10 Coding for Candida Vaginitis(B37.31, B37.32)

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

Also known as:

Vulvovaginal CandidiasisYeast Infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Candida Vaginitis

B37.3-B37.32Primary Range

Candidiasis of vulva and vagina

This range includes codes for acute and chronic candidiasis of the vulva and vagina.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B37.31Acute candidiasis of vulva and vaginaUse when the condition is acute and confirmed by lab tests.
  • Microscopy confirms hyphae/pseudohyphae
  • PCR positive for Candida species
  • pH <4.5
B37.32Chronic candidiasis of vulva and vaginaUse when the condition is chronic with documented recurrence.
  • Recurrent episodes (4x in 12 months)
  • PCR confirms non-albicans 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: ICD-10 code for candida vaginitis

Essential facts and insights about Candida Vaginitis

The ICD-10 code for acute candida vaginitis is B37.31, and for chronic candida vaginitis, it is B37.32.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for candida vaginitis

Acute candidiasis of vulva and vagina
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute symptoms and lab confirmation

Applicable To

  • Acute vulvovaginal candidiasis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Microscopy confirms hyphae/pseudohyphae
  • PCR positive for Candida species
  • pH <4.5

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as chronic without evidence

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab confirmation is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pruritus vulvae

L29.2
Use if severe itching is documented.

Resistance to antifungal drugs

Z16.39
Use if resistance is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Acute vaginitis

N76.0
Use if no Candida confirmation is available.

Trichomonal vulvovaginitis

A59.01
Use if microscopy/PCR confirms Trichomonas.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Candida Vaginitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B37.31.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology., Include lab confirmation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claim denials due to non-billable code., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for acute or chronic designation.

Impact

Risk of coding chronic without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require documentation of recurrence and lab results.

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

Documentation Templates for Candida Vaginitis

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

Acute Candidiasis Diagnosis

Specialty: OB/GYN

Required Elements

  • Symptoms
  • Lab results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

SUBJECTIVE: Reports itching and discharge. OBJECTIVE: White discharge, pH 4.2. LAB: KOH positive for pseudohyphae. ASSESSMENT: Acute candidal vulvovaginitis. PLAN: Prescribe antifungal.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has yeast infection.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with severe itching and white discharge. KOH prep reveals pseudohyphae. Diagnosed as acute candidal vulvovaginitis.
Explanation
The good example includes specific symptoms and lab confirmation, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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