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ICD-10 Coding for Vaginal Irritation(N76.0, B37.3, N89.1, L29.2)

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

Also known as:

VaginitisVulvitisVulvovaginitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vaginal Irritation

N76Primary Range

Inflammation of the vagina and vulva

This range includes conditions such as vaginitis and vulvitis, which are common causes of vaginal irritation.

Candidiasis of vulva and vagina

This code is used for yeast infections, a common cause of vaginal irritation.

Bacterial vaginosis

This code is used for bacterial vaginosis, another common cause of vaginal irritation.

Pruritus vulvae

This code is used for isolated itching without confirmed infection or inflammation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N76.0Acute vaginitisUse when there is documented inflammation and discharge.
  • Purulent discharge
  • pH >4.5
  • Positive whiff test
  • + 1 more
B37.3Candidiasis of vulva and vaginaUse when yeast infection is confirmed by lab tests.
  • Thick white discharge
  • pH ≤4.5
  • KOH prep with hyphae/pseudohyphae
N89.1Bacterial vaginosisUse when bacterial vaginosis is confirmed by lab tests.
  • Gray discharge
  • pH >4.5
  • Clue cells on wet mount
L29.2Pruritus vulvaeUse when itching is the only symptom and no infection is confirmed.
  • Isolated itching without confirmed infection or inflammation.

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 vaginal irritation

Essential facts and insights about Vaginal Irritation

ICD-10 codes for vaginal irritation include N76.0 for acute vaginitis, B37.3 for candidiasis, and N89.1 for bacterial vaginosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for vaginal irritation

Acute vaginitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of purulent discharge and positive whiff test.

Applicable To

  • Vaginal inflammation
  • Vulvovaginitis

Excludes

  • Chronic vaginitis (N76.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Purulent discharge
  • pH >4.5
  • Positive whiff test
  • Microscopy showing WBCs/clue cells

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without documented inflammation or discharge.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports inflammation and discharge.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pelvic/perianal pain

R10.2
Use if pain coexists with vaginitis.

Differential Codes

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

Vulvodynia

N94.1
Chronic pain without infection.

Acute vaginitis

N76.0
Inflammation without specific organism.

Candidiasis of vulva and vagina

B37.3
Presence of yeast on KOH prep.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vaginal Irritation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N76.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all lab results are documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Use L29.2 for isolated itching without inflammation.

Impact

Missing lab results can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all relevant test results are documented.

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

Documentation Templates for Vaginal Irritation

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

Vaginal Discharge Evaluation

Specialty: Gynecology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Symptom description
  • Physical exam findings
  • Lab test results

Example Documentation

Patient reports itching and discharge. Exam reveals thick white discharge, pH 4.2, KOH positive for hyphae. Diagnosis: Candidiasis (B37.3).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Vaginal irritation, treat with cream.
Good Documentation Example
Frothy yellow discharge, pH 5.4, motile trichomonads on wet mount. Diagnosed with trichomoniasis (A59.00). Rx: Metronidazole 2g x1.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and a clear diagnosis, supporting the chosen code.

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

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