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ICD-10 Coding for Candidiasis of Mouth(B37.0, B37.83)

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

Also known as:

Oral ThrushOral Candidiasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Candidiasis of Mouth

B37.0-B37.9Primary Range

Candidiasis

This range includes all forms of candidiasis, with B37.0 specifically for oral candidiasis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B37.0Candidiasis of mouthUse when oral candidiasis is confirmed by clinical findings and/or lab tests.
  • White plaques on tongue or buccal mucosa
  • Positive KOH prep or culture for Candida
B37.83Candidal cheilitisUse when Candida infection is confirmed at the lip commissures.
  • Erythema and fissures at the corners of the mouth
  • Positive culture for Candida

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 candidiasis of mouth

Essential facts and insights about Candidiasis of Mouth

The ICD-10 code for candidiasis of the mouth is B37.0, used for confirmed cases with specific site documentation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for candidiasis of mouth

Candidiasis of mouth
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of white plaques and positive lab tests

coding Criteria

  • Specific site documentation

Applicable To

  • Oral thrush
  • Fungal infection of the mouth

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • White plaques on tongue or buccal mucosa
  • Positive KOH prep or culture for Candida

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using B37.9 when specific site is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the site and confirms with lab tests to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Candidal esophagitis

B37.81
Use if esophageal involvement is confirmed alongside oral candidiasis.

Differential Codes

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

Candidiasis, unspecified

B37.9
Use B37.9 only when the site of candidiasis is not specified.

Candidiasis of mouth

B37.0
Use B37.0 for oral cavity involvement without lip involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Candidiasis of Mouth to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B37.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Increases audit risk., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm with lab tests, Document test results in patient record

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Increases risk of audits for unspecified codes., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like B37.0 or B37.83 when the site is documented.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific sites are documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the site and confirms with lab tests.

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

Documentation Templates for Candidiasis of Mouth

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

Oral candidiasis in immunocompromised patient

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Clinical findings
  • Lab test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient with immunosuppression presents with white plaques on tongue. KOH prep positive for Candida. Treatment initiated with antifungal.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has oral thrush.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with white, scrapable plaques on tongue. KOH prep confirms Candida. Initiated nystatin treatment.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and confirms diagnosis with lab results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Candidiasis of Mouth? Ask your questions below.

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