ICD-10 Coding for Paronychia(L03.031, L03.039, B37.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Paronychia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Paronychia
L03.0-L03.1Primary Range
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of finger and toe
Paronychia is coded under cellulitis of finger or toe in ICD-10.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L03.031 | Cellulitis of right finger | Use for acute bacterial paronychia of the right finger. |
|
| L03.039 | Cellulitis of unspecified finger | Use when the specific finger is not documented. |
|
| B37.2 | Candidiasis of skin and nails | Use for chronic paronychia with confirmed fungal infection. |
|
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 paronychia
Essential facts and insights about Paronychia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for paronychia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of erythema and purulent drainage
Applicable To
- Acute bacterial paronychia of right finger
Excludes
- Chronic paronychia (B37.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Erythema, swelling, and purulent drainage
- Positive bacterial culture
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as unspecified location
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented.
L03.039 - Cellulitis of unspecified finger
Use when the specific finger is not documented.
Applicable To
- Acute bacterial paronychia of unspecified finger
Excludes
- Chronic paronychia (B37.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Erythema, swelling, and purulent drainage
- Positive bacterial culture
Coding Notes
Avoid use if specific finger is documented.
B37.2 - Candidiasis of skin and nails
Use for chronic paronychia with confirmed fungal infection.
Applicable To
- Chronic candidal paronychia
Excludes
- Acute bacterial paronychia (L03.0-L03.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive KOH microscopy
- Fungal culture confirmation
Coding Notes
Ensure fungal infection is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infection
B95.61Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Paronychia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L03.031.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential denial of claims
Mitigation Strategy
Always document culture results in the patient's record, Include culture results in procedure notes
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Use L03.031 or L03.032 based on laterality
Impact
Incorrect use of CPT codes for procedures
Mitigation Strategy
Verify procedure documentation matches CPT code used
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 Paronychia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Paronychia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Paronychia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute bacterial paronychia
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- Location and laterality
- Duration of symptoms
- Clinical findings
- Procedure details
- Follow-up plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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