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ICD-10 Coding for Fungal Infection(B35.1, B37.0)

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

Also known as:

MycosisFungal Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fungal Infection

B35-B49Primary Range

Mycoses

This range includes all fungal infections, covering various types and sites of infection.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B35.1OnychomycosisUse when there is confirmed fungal infection of the nail.
  • KOH preparation positive for hyphae
  • Culture confirming dermatophyte
B37.0Candidal stomatitisUse when there is confirmed candidal infection in the oral cavity.
  • White plaques on tongue/mucosa
  • Positive fungal culture

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 onychomycosis

Essential facts and insights about Fungal Infection

The ICD-10 code for onychomycosis is B35.1, used for confirmed fungal nail infections.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fungal infection

Onychomycosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of subungual debris and positive fungal culture

Applicable To

  • Fungal infection of the nail

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • KOH preparation positive for hyphae
  • Culture confirming dermatophyte

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse of unspecified codes leading to denials

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the fungal organism and site.

Ancillary Codes

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

Onycholysis

L60.1
Use alongside B35.1 if nail separation is present due to fungal infection.

Differential Codes

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

Nail dystrophy

L60.3
Use when nail abnormalities are not due to fungal infection.

Other forms of stomatitis

K12.1
Use when stomatitis is not due to Candida.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fungal Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B35.1.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in documentation, Use specific codes when organism is known

Impact

Reimbursement: Denials due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines, Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting clinical decision-making

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific codes like B35.1 instead of B35.9.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific codes.

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

Documentation Templates for Fungal Infection

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

Chronic fungal nail infection

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

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

Example Documentation

Patient presents with thickened, discolored toenails. KOH prep positive for hyphae. Diagnosed with onychomycosis. Plan: Terbinafine 250mg daily for 12 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has toenail fungus.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with thickened, yellow toenails. KOH prep positive for hyphae. Diagnosed with onychomycosis (B35.1).
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and a confirmed diagnosis.

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

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