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ICD-10 Coding for Thrush in Mouth(B37.0)

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

Also known as:

Oral ThrushCandidal Stomatitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Thrush in Mouth

B37.0-B37.9Primary Range

Candidiasis

This range includes codes for candidiasis affecting various sites, with B37.0 specifically for oral thrush.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for thrush in mouth

Essential facts and insights about Thrush in Mouth

The ICD-10 code for thrush in the mouth is B37.0, used for candidal stomatitis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for thrush in mouth

Candidal stomatitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of white plaques on oral mucosa confirmed by KOH prep.

coding Criteria

  • Avoid using B37.9 if the site of candidiasis is known.

Applicable To

  • Oral thrush
  • Candidiasis of mouth

Excludes

  • Esophageal candidiasis (B37.81)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • White plaques on oral mucosa
  • KOH prep positive for Candida
  • Culture confirming Candida species

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using B37.9 when specific site is known
  • Incorrect sequencing with HIV-related conditions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the site of infection to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Candidal esophagitis

B37.81
Use when there is esophageal involvement confirmed by endoscopy.

Differential Codes

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

Candidiasis, unspecified

B37.9
Use B37.0 when the site is specified as oral.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Thrush in Mouth to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B37.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements, Use templates to ensure complete documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use B37.0 when the site is specified as oral.

Impact

High risk of audit if B37.9 is used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the site of infection.

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 Thrush in Mouth, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Thrush in Mouth

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

Diagnosis of oral thrush

Specialty: General Practice

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Oral examination findings
  • Laboratory test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with white plaques on tongue and buccal mucosa. KOH prep positive for Candida. Prescribed Nystatin oral suspension.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has thrush.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has white plaques on tongue and buccal mucosa; KOH prep positive for Candida.
Explanation
The good example provides specific site and laboratory confirmation, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Thrush in Mouth? Ask your questions below.

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