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ICD-10 Coding for Tinea Unguium(B35.1)

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

Also known as:

OnychomycosisFungal Nail Infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tinea Unguium

B35-B49Primary Range

Mycoses

This range includes fungal infections, with B35.1 specifically for tinea unguium.

Nail disorders

This range includes nail disorders that may be used as ancillary codes with B35.1.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for tinea unguium

Essential facts and insights about Tinea Unguium

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for tinea unguium

Tinea unguium
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of fungal elements in lab tests

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of nail changes and test results

Applicable To

  • Fungal infection of the nail

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • KOH microscopy showing septate hyphae
  • PCR positive for Trichophyton rubrum
  • Fungal culture confirming dermatophyte

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without confirmation tests
  • Confusing with other tinea codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab confirmation before coding B35.1 to avoid audit risks.

Ancillary Codes

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

Onycholysis

L60.1
Use when nail separation is present with tinea unguium.

Nail dystrophy

L60.3
Use when nail thickening or ridging is present with tinea unguium.

Differential Codes

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

Ingrown nail

L60.0
No hyphae on microscopy

Psoriatic nails

L40.5+
Pitting, oil-drop spots, negative fungal tests

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tinea Unguium to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B35.1.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim rejections.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify affected nails., Use laterality modifiers where applicable.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use symptom codes until lab confirmation is obtained.

Impact

Coding B35.1 without lab test results increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all diagnoses are supported by lab documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Tinea Unguium

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

Confirmed tinea unguium with onycholysis

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical exam findings
  • Diagnostic test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

SUBJECTIVE: Patient reports 6-month history of yellow, brittle right great toenail. Denies trauma. OBJECTIVE: Right hallux: Marked subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis 40%, +KOH hyphae. ASSESSMENT: Tinea unguium (B35.1), confirmed by KOH microscopy. PLAN: Terbinafine 250mg daily x12 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Toenail fungus
Good Documentation Example
Distolateral onychomycosis of right hallux confirmed by KOH microscopy (hyphae present), PCR positive for T. rubrum
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnostic details and lab confirmation.

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

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