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ICD-10 Coding for Oral Candidiasis(B37.0)

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

Also known as:

Oral ThrushCandidal Stomatitisthrush

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Oral Candidiasis

B37-B37.9Primary Range

Candidiasis

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

Key Information: ICD-10 code for oral candidiasis

Essential facts and insights about Oral Candidiasis

The ICD-10 code for oral candidiasis is B37.0, covering candidal stomatitis and oral thrush.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for oral candidiasis

Candidal stomatitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of white plaques not removable by scraping

documentation Criteria

  • Confirmation by KOH microscopy or culture

Applicable To

  • Oral thrush
  • Candidal stomatitis

Excludes

  • Neonatal candidiasis (P37.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • White pseudomembranous plaques adherent to oral mucosa
  • Lesions not removable by gentle scraping
  • Confirmed by KOH microscopy or culture showing hyphae

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using B37.9 when site is specified
  • Not coding underlying conditions like HIV or diabetes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the site and confirms diagnosis with appropriate tests.

Ancillary Codes

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

HIV disease

B20
Use when oral candidiasis is related to HIV.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

E11.9
Use when recurrent thrush is linked to uncontrolled diabetes.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified candidiasis

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

Recurrent oral aphthae

K12.0
Differentiate by absence of fungal elements on KOH prep.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Oral Candidiasis 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 incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit., Financial: Potential for claim denial.

Mitigation Strategy

Train providers on specific documentation requirements., Use templates to guide thorough documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: May trigger audits for incorrect code usage., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use B37.0 when the site is documented as oral cavity.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific site is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on specific code usage and documentation requirements.

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

Documentation Templates for Oral Candidiasis

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

Primary Care Visit for Oral Thrush

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 2-week history of painful oral lesions. Exam reveals white plaques on tongue, confirmed by KOH prep. Plan includes antifungal treatment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Thrush present.
Good Documentation Example
Multiple white curdish plaques on tongue and buccal mucosa resistant to scraping, confirmed by KOH prep showing fungal hyphae.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lesion details and confirmatory test results.

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

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