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

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

Also known as:

RingwormDermatophytosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tinea

B35.0-B35.9Primary Range

Dermatophytosis

This range covers various types of tinea infections, including tinea capitis, tinea corporis, and tinea unguium.

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.
  • Subungual hyperkeratosis
  • Onycholysis >50% nail plate
  • KOH preparation positive for hyphae
B35.3Tinea pedisUse for confirmed fungal infections of the feet.
  • Maceration and scaling in toe web spaces
  • Positive KOH preparation

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

The ICD-10 code for tinea unguium, or onychomycosis, is B35.1. It covers fungal infections of the nails.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tinea

Tinea unguium
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of nail thickening and positive KOH test.

Applicable To

  • Onychomycosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Subungual hyperkeratosis
  • Onycholysis >50% nail plate
  • KOH preparation positive for hyphae

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using unspecified codes when nail involvement is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the nail involvement and confirmatory tests.

Ancillary Codes

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

Escherichia coli as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.2
Use when E. coli is identified as a secondary infection.

Differential Codes

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

Nail dystrophy

L60.0
Use L60.0 for non-fungal nail dystrophies.

Interdigital dermatitis

L30.4
Use L30.4 for non-fungal interdigital dermatitis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tinea 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 incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'tinea pedis' or 'onychomycosis'., Include confirmatory test results.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the type and location of tinea.

Impact

Lack of specific site and confirmatory test results.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of infection site and test results.

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

Documentation Templates for Tinea

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

Onychomycosis in diabetic patient

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • History of nail changes
  • Physical examination findings
  • Diagnostic test results
  • Diagnosis

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Toenail thickened. Start terbinafine.
Good Documentation Example
55M with 8-month history of progressive yellow discoloration and crumbling of R great toenail. Denies trauma. Failed OTC clotrimazole. 80% nail plate involvement with subungual debris. KOH (+) hyphae, fungal culture pending. Diagnosis: Onychomycosis (B35.1)
Explanation
The good example provides comprehensive documentation of history, physical findings, and diagnostic tests, supporting the diagnosis and treatment plan.

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

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