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ICD-10 Coding for Trichomoniasis(A59.01, A59.02, A59.03, A59.9)

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

Also known as:

Trichomonal infectionTrich

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Trichomoniasis

A59Primary Range

Trichomoniasis

This range includes all codes related to trichomoniasis, covering different anatomical sites and unspecified cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
A59.01Trichomonal vulvovaginitisUse when documentation specifies vulvovaginitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.
  • Frothy yellow vaginal discharge
  • pH >4.5
  • Motile trichomonads on wet mount
A59.02Trichomonal prostatitisUse when documentation specifies prostatitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.
  • Prostatic tenderness
  • Trichomonas vaginalis detected in urine PCR
A59.03Trichomonal cystitis and urethritisUse when documentation specifies cystitis or urethritis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.
  • Dysuria
  • T. vaginalis confirmed via NAAT in first-void urine
A59.9Trichomoniasis, unspecifiedUse when documentation does not specify the site of trichomoniasis infection.
  • Positive test for Trichomonas vaginalis without site specification

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 trichomoniasis

Essential facts and insights about Trichomoniasis

The ICD-10 code for trichomoniasis varies by site: A59.01 for vulvovaginitis, A59.02 for prostatitis, A59.03 for cystitis/urethritis, and A59.9 for unspecified cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for trichomoniasis

Trichomonal vulvovaginitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of frothy discharge and positive NAAT for T. vaginalis

Applicable To

  • Trichomonal vaginitis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Frothy yellow vaginal discharge
  • pH >4.5
  • Motile trichomonads on wet mount

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if site is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the site of infection to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.89
Use if a bacterial co-infection is confirmed alongside trichomoniasis.

Differential Codes

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

Candidiasis of vulva and vagina

B37.3
Presence of curd-like discharge and pH <4.5

Acute vaginitis

N76.0
Presence of clue cells and fishy odor

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Trichomoniasis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A59.01.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Increased risk of audits, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of site-specific documentation, Implement documentation templates

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding, Compliance: Increased risk of audit and compliance issues, Data Quality: Decreased data quality and specificity

Mitigation Strategy

Query the provider to specify the site for more accurate coding.

Impact

Using A59.9 increases audit risk due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Encourage site-specific documentation and use of specific 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 Trichomoniasis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Trichomoniasis

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

Gynecology Progress Note

Specialty: Gynecology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Symptoms
  • Exam findings
  • Test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

28F reports frothy vaginal discharge x1 week. New partner x2 months, condomless sex. Denies fever/chills. pH 5.2, positive whiff test. Wet mount: Motile trichomonads. NAAT: T. vaginalis positive. A59.01 – Trichomonal vulvovaginitis. Rx: Metronidazole 500mg BID x7 days. Expedited partner therapy provided.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Vaginal discharge present.
Good Documentation Example
Frothy, malodorous discharge; pH 5.0; Trichomonas vaginalis confirmed by Aptima NAAT.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the discharge and confirms the organism and test method, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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

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