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ICD-10 Coding for Toe Fungus(B35.1)

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

Also known as:

OnychomycosisTinea Unguium

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Toe Fungus

B35-B49Primary Range

Mycoses

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

Disorders of skin appendages

Includes nail disorders like onycholysis (L60.1) and nail dystrophy (L60.3) which are ancillary to onychomycosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for toe fungus

Essential facts and insights about Toe Fungus

The ICD-10 code for toe fungus, specifically onychomycosis, is B35.1. Use this code when lab tests confirm a fungal infection.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for toe fungus

Tinea unguium
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of thickened, discolored nails with positive fungal test

documentation Criteria

  • Document laterality and confirmatory test results

Applicable To

  • Onychomycosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • KOH microscopy showing fungal hyphae
  • PCR confirming Trichophyton species
  • Fungal culture with positive growth

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without confirmatory testing
  • Not specifying laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure confirmatory testing is documented before using B35.1.

Ancillary Codes

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

Onycholysis

L60.1
Use when nail separation occurs due to fungal infection.

Nail dystrophy

L60.3
Use for structural abnormalities from chronic infection.

Differential Codes

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

Ingrown nail

L60.0
Use if no fungal confirmation and symptoms align with ingrown nail.

Cellulitis of toe

L03.03
Use for secondary bacterial infections, not primary fungal.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment location, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Claim denials due to insufficient detail

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify which toe is affected, Include laterality in documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied without proper documentation., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on fungal infection prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Use L60.8 until testing results confirm fungal infection.

Impact

Using B35.1 without lab confirmation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all diagnoses are supported by lab 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 Toe Fungus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Toe Fungus

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

Initial diagnosis of onychomycosis

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • Physical exam findings
  • Lab test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient reports pain with ambulation due to thickened right great toenail. Exam reveals yellow-brown discoloration, onycholysis, and subungual debris. KOH prep positive for hyphae. Plan: Oral terbinafine 250mg daily x 12 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Fungal toenail treated.
Good Documentation Example
B35.1: Onychomycosis of left 2nd toe confirmed by PCR (Trichophyton rubrum). 3mm thickening, onycholysis (1.5mm). Terbinafine 250mg x 12 weeks.
Explanation
The good example specifies the diagnosis, confirmatory test, and treatment plan.

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

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