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ICD-10 Coding for Tinea Versicolor(B36.0)

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

Also known as:

Pityriasis VersicolorTinea FlavaTinea Alba

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tinea Versicolor

Mycoses

This range includes various fungal infections, with B36.0 specifically for tinea versicolor.

B36Primary Range

Other superficial mycoses

This range includes specific codes for superficial fungal infections, with B36.0 for tinea versicolor.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for tinea versicolor

Essential facts and insights about Tinea Versicolor

The ICD-10 code for tinea versicolor is B36.0, used for documenting this fungal skin condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for tinea versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of hypopigmented or hyperpigmented macules with fine scaling.

coding Criteria

  • Documented confirmation of tinea versicolor via KOH prep or Wood's lamp.

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of tinea versicolor or pityriasis versicolor in the medical record.

Applicable To

  • Tinea versicolor
  • Tinea flava
  • Tinea alba

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • KOH prep showing 'spaghetti and meatballs' appearance
  • Wood's lamp fluorescence showing copper-orange
  • Biopsy with PAS stain showing fungal elements

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using B36.9 for unspecified mycoses when tinea versicolor is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Always sequence B36.0 first when coding for tinea versicolor.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for antifungal therapy

Z23
Use when antifungal treatment is administered.

Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified

L81.9
Use if hypopigmentation/hyperpigmentation is documented as a persistent sequela post-treatment.

Differential Codes

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

Tinea corporis

B35.6
Use for lesions with active border inflammation on non-seborrheic areas.

Pityriasis alba

L30.8
Use for hypopigmented patches without scaling or fungal confirmation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tinea Versicolor to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B36.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or incorrect billing.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of specific terminology.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or incorrect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use B36.0 when tinea versicolor is confirmed.

Impact

Using B36.9 instead of B36.0 for documented tinea versicolor.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training and audits to ensure correct code usage.

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 Tinea Versicolor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Tinea Versicolor

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

Dermatology Progress Note

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • History of Present Illness
  • Physical Exam Findings
  • Diagnostic Studies
  • Assessment and Plan

Example Documentation

22yo M presents with asymptomatic hypopigmented macules on upper chest × 3 months. KOH prep shows hyphae and spores. Assessment: Tinea versicolor (B36.0). Plan: Ketoconazole 2% cream daily × 14 days.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rash on back, possible fungal.
Good Documentation Example
Hypopigmented, scaly patches on upper back; KOH prep positive for hyphae and spores consistent with tinea versicolor.
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnostic findings and confirms the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Tinea Versicolor? Ask your questions below.

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