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ICD-10 Coding for Fungal Skin Infection(B35.1, B35.3)

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

Also known as:

DermatophytosisTineaRingworm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fungal Skin Infection

B35.0-B35.9Primary Range

Dermatophytosis

This range covers various types of dermatophytosis, including tinea pedis, tinea corporis, and tinea unguium.

Other fungal skin infections

This range includes systemic fungal infections with cutaneous manifestations.

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.
  • Nail clipping with PAS stain showing hyphae
B35.3Tinea pedisUse for confirmed fungal infection of the feet.
  • KOH prep positive for septate hyphae

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 fungal skin infection

Essential facts and insights about Fungal Skin Infection

The ICD-10 code for fungal skin infection includes B35.1 for tinea unguium and B35.3 for tinea pedis, depending on the specific type and location.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fungal skin infection

Tinea unguium
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of fungal elements in nail samples

Applicable To

  • Onychomycosis

Excludes

  • Nail psoriasis
  • Nail lichen planus

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Nail clipping with PAS stain showing hyphae

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification without lab confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure lab confirmation is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Onycholysis

L60.1
Use if nail separation is present alongside tinea unguium.

Secondary bacterial infection

L08.9
Use if secondary infection is present.

Differential Codes

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

Onycholysis

L60.1
Onycholysis without fungal infection should not be coded as B35.1.

Irritant contact dermatitis

L24.B
Differentiate based on absence of fungal elements.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fungal Skin Infection 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: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify rash characteristics and location, Include lab results if available

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like B35.3 for tinea pedis when site is known.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use the most specific code available and ensure documentation supports it.

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

Documentation Templates for Fungal Skin Infection

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

Patient with suspected fungal nail infection

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • Objective findings
  • Diagnostic evidence
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Chief Complaint: Thickened, yellow toenails. Objective: Subungual hyperkeratosis. Diagnostic: KOH prep positive. Assessment: Tinea unguium (B35.1). Plan: Oral antifungal treatment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rash on foot, possible fungus.
Good Documentation Example
Erythematous, scaly plaques between toes; KOH microscopy confirms fungal hyphae. Consistent with tinea pedis (B35.3).
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and lab confirmation, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Fungal Skin Infection? Ask your questions below.

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