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ICD-10 Coding for Candidemia(B37.7, B37.89)

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

Also known as:

Candidal sepsisCandida bloodstream infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Candidemia

B37.0-B37.9Primary Range

Candidiasis

This range includes all forms of candidiasis, with B37.7 specifically for candidal sepsis, which is the primary code for candidemia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B37.7Candidal sepsisUse when blood cultures confirm Candida species and systemic signs of sepsis are present.
  • Positive blood culture for Candida species
  • Systemic inflammatory response (e.g., fever, hypotension)
  • Initiation of antifungal treatment
B37.89Other forms of candidiasisUse when specific Candida species are identified in lab results.
  • PCR or culture results identifying specific 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: ICD-10 code for candidemia

Essential facts and insights about Candidemia

The ICD-10 code for candidemia is B37.7, used for candidal sepsis with confirmed Candida species and systemic signs.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for candidemia

Candidal sepsis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive blood culture for Candida species with systemic symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'candidal sepsis' or 'candidemia' in medical records

Applicable To

  • Candidemia

Excludes

  • Other forms of sepsis not caused by Candida

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive blood culture for Candida species
  • Systemic inflammatory response (e.g., fever, hypotension)
  • Initiation of antifungal treatment

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with B37.9 if documentation is not specific about sepsis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'candidal sepsis' to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Infection due to central venous catheter

T80.211A
Use when candidemia is associated with a central line infection.

Differential Codes

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

Candidiasis, unspecified

B37.9
Use when documentation lacks specificity about sepsis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Candidemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B37.7.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to under-treatment of sepsis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Financial: Potential loss of MCC-related reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate on the importance of specifying sepsis, Implement documentation checks

Impact

Reimbursement: Lower reimbursement due to lack of MCC status., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'candidal sepsis' to use B37.7.

Impact

Failure to document 'candidal sepsis' can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on documentation specificity.

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

Documentation Templates for Candidemia

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

Candidemia with central line infection

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Blood culture results
  • Systemic symptoms
  • Central line presence and removal

Example Documentation

Patient with central line presents with fever and hypotension. Blood cultures positive for Candida albicans. Central line removed and antifungal treatment initiated.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has Candida infection.
Good Documentation Example
Blood cultures from 3/25/2025 positive for Candida glabrata. Patient meets SIRS criteria (WBC 18k, HR 120, temp 101.9°F). Central venous catheter removed due to suspected source.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lab results and systemic symptoms, supporting the diagnosis of candidal sepsis.

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

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