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ICD-10 Coding for Esophageal Candidiasis(B37.81)

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

Also known as:

Candidal EsophagitisOesophageal Candidiasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Esophageal Candidiasis

B37.0-B37.9Primary Range

Candidiasis

This range includes all forms of candidiasis, with B37.81 specifically for esophageal involvement.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for esophageal candidiasis

Essential facts and insights about Esophageal Candidiasis

The ICD-10 code for esophageal candidiasis is B37.81, used for candidal esophagitis confirmed by endoscopy or biopsy.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for esophageal candidiasis

Candidal esophagitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of white plaques on endoscopy

documentation Criteria

  • Biopsy confirmation of Candida

Applicable To

  • Esophageal candidiasis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic findings of white plaques
  • Biopsy confirmation of Candida hyphae
  • Symptoms such as odynophagia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified candidiasis (B37.9) when esophageal involvement is confirmed.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies esophageal involvement and confirmatory tests.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dysphagia

R13.1-
Use to specify phase of dysphagia if present.

HIV

B20
Use if the patient is HIV positive.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified esophagitis

K20.9
Use only if Candida is ruled out.

Unspecified candidiasis

B37.9
Avoid if esophageal involvement is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Esophageal Candidiasis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B37.81.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to potential misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: May result in claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of endoscopic findings., Include biopsy results when available.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use B37.81 if esophageal involvement is confirmed.

Impact

Coding B37.81 without endoscopic or biopsy confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require documentation of endoscopic findings and biopsy 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 Esophageal Candidiasis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Esophageal Candidiasis

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

HIV patient with esophageal candidiasis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Symptoms: odynophagia, dysphagia
  • Endoscopic findings: white plaques
  • Biopsy results: Candida hyphae

Example Documentation

Pt with HIV (B20) presents with odynophagia. EGD: Kodsi Grade II candidal plaques. Biopsy: fungal hyphae. Plan: Fluconazole 400mg daily x14d.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Thrush in esophagus
Good Documentation Example
Endoscopy reveals diffuse white plaques in mid-esophagus; biopsy shows Candida pseudohyphae
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and confirmatory test results.

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

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