Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Tinea Infection(B35.1, B35.3)

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

Also known as:

RingwormDermatophytosisOnychomycosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tinea Infection

B35-B49Primary Range

Mycoses

This range includes all types of fungal infections, including tinea.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B35.1Tinea unguiumUse when there is confirmed fungal infection of the nails.
  • KOH microscopy showing septate hyphae
  • Culture confirming Trichophyton species
B35.3Tinea pedisUse for confirmed fungal infections of the feet.
  • Interdigital scaling and pruritus
  • Microscopy confirming dermatophyte presence

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 tinea unguium

Essential facts and insights about Tinea Infection

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tinea infection

Tinea unguium
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Nail thickening and discoloration with positive lab confirmation

Applicable To

  • Onychomycosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • KOH microscopy showing septate hyphae
  • Culture confirming Trichophyton species

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not confirmed by lab tests

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the site and confirms fungal etiology.

Ancillary Codes

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

Onycholysis

L60.0
Use to describe nail separation secondary to tinea unguium.

Differential Codes

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

Candidal stomatitis

B37.0
Presence of pseudohyphae on microscopy differentiates candidal infections.

Candidal intertrigo

B37.2
Candidal infections often present with satellite lesions.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tinea 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: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify the site and confirm with lab tests.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like B35.1 or B35.3 when the site is documented.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific ICD-10 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 Tinea Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Tinea Infection

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

Diagnosis of tinea unguium

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Site of infection
  • Lab test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: Tinea unguium confirmed by KOH test. Plan: Oral antifungal treatment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Nail fungus
Good Documentation Example
Tinea unguium affecting right great toenail, confirmed by KOH test.
Explanation
The good example specifies the site and confirms the diagnosis with a test.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more