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ICD-10 Coding for Fungemia(B37.7, B37.9)

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

Also known as:

Fungal bloodstream infectionCandidemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fungemia

B37.0-B37.9Primary Range

Candidiasis

This range includes codes for candidal infections, including systemic infections like fungemia.

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 there is documented evidence of candidal sepsis with systemic involvement.
  • Positive blood cultures for Candida species
  • Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria
B37.9Unspecified candidiasisUse when the Candida species or site is not specified in the documentation.
  • Positive blood culture without specific Candida species identification

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 fungemia

Essential facts and insights about Fungemia

The ICD-10 code for fungemia, specifically candidal sepsis, is B37.7. Use this code when systemic involvement with Candida is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fungemia

Candidal sepsis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of systemic symptoms and positive blood cultures for Candida.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of candidal sepsis in the medical record.

Applicable To

  • Candidal septicemia

Excludes

  • Candidiasis of other sites

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive blood cultures for Candida species
  • Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying the organism leading to incorrect coding
  • Sequencing errors if underlying infection is not coded first

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the Candida species and systemic involvement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Severe sepsis with septic shock

R65.21
Use when septic shock is present alongside candidal sepsis.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified candidiasis

B37.9
Use when the specific Candida species or site is not identified.

Candidal sepsis

B37.7
Use B37.7 when sepsis criteria are met with Candida infection.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fungemia 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 inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of symptoms and lab results., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Code the underlying infection first if it led to fungemia.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of systemic symptoms can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of clinical findings 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 Fungemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Fungemia

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

Candidal sepsis diagnosis

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Positive blood culture results
  • Systemic symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with candidal sepsis confirmed by blood cultures showing Candida albicans. Treatment initiated with antifungal therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with fungemia.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with candidal sepsis confirmed by blood cultures showing Candida albicans. Initiated antifungal treatment.
Explanation
The good example provides specific organism identification and treatment details.

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

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