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ICD-10 Coding for Jock Itch(B35.6)

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

Also known as:

Dhobi ItchGroin RingwormTinea Cruris

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Jock Itch

B35-B49Primary Range

Mycoses

This range includes dermatophytosis and other fungal infections, with B35.6 specifically for tinea cruris.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for tinea cruris

Essential facts and insights about Jock Itch

The ICD-10 code for tinea cruris is B35.6, used for groin-specific dermatophytosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for tinea cruris

Tinea Cruris
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of erythematous plaques with central clearing in the groin area.

documentation Criteria

  • KOH prep positive for hyphae.

Applicable To

  • Dhobi itch
  • Groin ringworm
  • Jock itch

Excludes

  • Candidiasis of the groin (B37.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • KOH prep showing hyphae
  • Culture confirming Trichophyton rubrum

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if scrotal involvement is present
  • Incorrect use without lab confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies groin involvement and absence of scrotal lesions to differentiate from candidiasis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Tinea Pedis

B35.3
Use if tinea pedis is present alongside tinea cruris.

Differential Codes

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

Candidiasis of skin and nail

B37.2
Presence of satellite pustules and scrotal involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Jock Itch to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B35.6.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific anatomical terms., Include lab results in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for lower reimbursement due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific documentation of groin involvement and lab confirmation.

Impact

Audits may target vague documentation of infection location.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies groin involvement and absence of scrotal lesions.

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

Documentation Templates for Jock Itch

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

Primary Care Visit for Groin Rash

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Location and morphology of lesions
  • Lab test results
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

SUBJECTIVE: 'Intense pruritus in groin worsening with exercise. Self-treated with clotrimazole x1 week without improvement.' OBJECTIVE: - Skin: 5 cm erythematous plaque R inguinal fold with central clearing, active scaly border - Scrotum/vulva: No erythema or satellite lesions - Feet: Scaling between toes (suspect tinea pedis coinfection) ASSESSMENT: Tinea cruris (B35.6) with treatment failure + suspected tinea pedis (B35.3) PLAN: 1. KOH prep: Positive hyphae, no pseudohyphae (rules out Candida) 2. Terbinafine 1% cream BID x4 weeks to groin 3. Separate towel use education provided

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Fungal rash in groin area. Treat with antifungal.
Good Documentation Example
Pruritic, annular plaques with raised scaly borders in bilateral inguinal folds extending to upper medial thighs. Scrotum unaffected. KOH microscopy confirms fungal hyphae. No satellite lesions.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, morphology, and lab confirmation, ensuring accurate coding and treatment.

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