ICD-10 Coding for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis(B37.31, B37.32)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
B37.3-B37.32Primary Range
Candidiasis of vulva and vagina
This range includes codes for acute and chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis, which are the primary conditions being documented.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B37.31 | Acute candidiasis of vulva and vagina | Use when the patient presents with acute symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis, confirmed by laboratory tests. |
|
| B37.32 | Chronic candidiasis of vulva and vagina | Use for chronic or recurrent cases, particularly when symptoms persist despite treatment. |
|
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 vulvovaginal candidiasis
Essential facts and insights about Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for vulvovaginal candidiasis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and positive lab confirmation
Applicable To
- Acute vulvovaginal candidiasis
Excludes
- Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis (B37.32)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- KOH wet mount showing pseudohyphae
- PCR confirming Candida albicans
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using B37.9 if acuity is not specified.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'acute' to avoid defaulting to unspecified codes.
B37.32 - Chronic candidiasis of vulva and vagina
Use for chronic or recurrent cases, particularly when symptoms persist despite treatment.
Applicable To
- Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis
Excludes
- Acute vulvovaginal candidiasis (B37.31)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented recurrent episodes (≥3/year)
- Failure of first-line antifungal treatments
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports chronicity to avoid audit issues.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vulvovaginal 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 incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Could result in claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on documentation requirements, Use templates that prompt for specific details
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Query provider to specify acute or chronic candidiasis.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specificity is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.
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 Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute vulvovaginal candidiasis
Specialty: GynecologyRequired Elements
- Symptoms
- Lab results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis? Ask your questions below.