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ICD-10 Coding for Vaginal Candidiasis(B37.31, B37.32)

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

Also known as:

Yeast InfectionVulvovaginal CandidiasisVaginal Thrush

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vaginal Candidiasis

B37.3-B37.32Primary Range

Candidiasis of vulva and vagina

This range includes specific codes for acute and chronic vaginal candidiasis, which are essential for accurate diagnosis and billing.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B37.31Acute candidiasis of vulva and vaginaUse for first-time or acute presentations of vulvovaginal candidiasis with confirmed laboratory findings.
  • Positive KOH wet mount with pseudohyphae
  • Symptoms such as pruritus and erythema
B37.32Chronic candidiasis of vulva and vaginaUse for recurrent cases with documented frequency and laboratory confirmation of non-albicans species.
  • Recurrent episodes (≥3 per year)
  • Culture confirming non-albicans species

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 acute vaginal candidiasis

Essential facts and insights about Vaginal Candidiasis

The ICD-10 code for acute vaginal candidiasis is B37.31, used for first-time or acute presentations with confirmed laboratory findings.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for vaginal candidiasis

Acute candidiasis of vulva and vagina
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of pseudohyphae on KOH wet mount

Applicable To

  • Acute vulvovaginal candidiasis

Excludes

  • Chronic candidiasis of vulva and vagina (B37.32)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive KOH wet mount with pseudohyphae
  • Symptoms such as pruritus and erythema

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding chronic cases as acute

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute presentation with laboratory confirmation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.89
Use when specific Candida species are identified via PCR or culture.

Differential Codes

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

Acute vaginitis

N76.0
Use when candidiasis is ruled out and bacterial vaginosis is confirmed.

Subacute and chronic vaginitis

N76.1
Use when chronic vaginitis is due to non-candidiasis causes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vaginal Candidiasis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B37.31.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements, Use templates that prompt for specific details

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affecting patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify whether the case is acute or chronic and use the appropriate code.

Impact

Using B37.3 instead of specific codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific code selection.

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

Documentation Templates for Vaginal Candidiasis

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

Acute Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Specialty: OB/GYN

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Laboratory test results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Pt reports 4-day history of vulvar pruritus, dysuria, and curd-like discharge. No prior episodes. **Objective**: Vulvar erythema, edema. KOH wet mount (+) pseudohyphae. pH 4.2. **Assessment**: Acute candidiasis of vulva and vagina (B37.31). **Plan**: Fluconazole 150mg x1 dose.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Yeast infection treated.
Good Documentation Example
Acute vulvovaginal candidiasis confirmed by KOH wet mount showing pseudohyphae; patient reports pruritus and thick white discharge.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and symptoms, supporting the diagnosis and code selection.

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

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