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ICD-10 Coding for Onychomycosis of Toenails(B35.1)

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

Also known as:

Toenail FungusTinea Unguium

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Onychomycosis of Toenails

B35-B49Primary Range

Mycoses

This range includes fungal infections such as onychomycosis, which is coded under B35.1.

Disorders of skin appendages

This range includes nail disorders that may be used as ancillary codes for complications of onychomycosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for onychomycosis toenail

Essential facts and insights about Onychomycosis of Toenails

The ICD-10 code for onychomycosis of toenails is B35.1, used when fungal infection is confirmed.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for onychomycosis toenail

Tinea unguium
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive laboratory confirmation of fungal infection.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of nail involvement and test results.

Applicable To

  • Onychomycosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive KOH microscopy showing septate hyphae
  • PCR positive for dermatophyte DNA
  • Fungal culture identifying Trichophyton species

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use of unspecified codes like B35.9
  • Failure to document specific test results

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific test results confirming fungal infection.

Ancillary Codes

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

Onycholysis

L60.1
Use when nail separation is present alongside onychomycosis.

Nail dystrophy

L60.3
Use for thickened or crumbling nails as a result of onychomycosis.

Differential Codes

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

Psoriatic nail dystrophy

L40.5
Presence of pitting and oil spots, absence of hyphae.

Nail dystrophy

L60.3
Use when nail changes are due to non-fungal causes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Onychomycosis of Toenails 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 affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify which toenail is affected., Include laterality in all documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use B35.1 with specific test documentation.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes like B35.9 increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use B35.1 with documented test 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 Onychomycosis of Toenails, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Onychomycosis of Toenails

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

Podiatry Progress Note

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Subjective patient report
  • Objective nail examination
  • Assessment with confirmed diagnosis
  • Plan including treatment and follow-up

Example Documentation

**S:** "Pt reports R great toenail thickening/yellowing x8mo, worsening with tight shoes." **O:** - Nail: Distal onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis, yellow-brown discoloration - KOH prep: Hyphae present **A:** Onychomycosis (B35.1) confirmed **P:** - Terbinafine 250mg daily x12 weeks - Follow-up in 6 weeks for repeat KOH

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Fungal toenail infection.
Good Documentation Example
Distal subungual onychomycosis of L great toenail confirmed via PAS stain (hyphae present).
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnostic confirmation and details of nail involvement.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Onychomycosis of Toenails? Ask your questions below.

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