ICD-10 Coding for Vulvovaginitis(N76.0, B37.3, A59.01)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Vulvovaginitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Vulvovaginitis
N76.0-N76.3Primary Range
Inflammatory diseases of the vagina and vulva
Covers various forms of vaginitis and vulvitis, including acute, subacute, and chronic conditions.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N76.0 | Acute vaginitis | Use when symptoms are acute and no specific organism is identified. |
|
| B37.3 | Candidal vulvovaginitis | Use when candidiasis is confirmed by lab tests. |
|
| A59.01 | Trichomonal vulvovaginitis | Use when trichomoniasis is confirmed by lab tests. |
|
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 vulvovaginitis
Essential facts and insights about Vulvovaginitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for vulvovaginitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Acute onset with purulent discharge and erythema.
coding Criteria
- No specific organism identified.
Applicable To
- Acute inflammation of the vagina
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sudden onset of symptoms
- Purulent discharge
- Vulvar erythema
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of incorrect coding if specific organism is identified.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation supports acute nature and lack of specific organism identification.
B37.3 - Candidal vulvovaginitis
Use when candidiasis is confirmed by lab tests.
Applicable To
- Yeast infection of the vagina
Excludes
- Acute vaginitis (N76.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive KOH prep
- Pseudohyphae on microscopy
Coding Notes
Ensure lab confirmation of candidiasis.
A59.01 - Trichomonal vulvovaginitis
Use when trichomoniasis is confirmed by lab tests.
Applicable To
- Trichomonas infection of the vagina
Excludes
- Acute vaginitis (N76.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Motile trichomonads on wet mount
- Positive NAAT
Coding Notes
Ensure lab confirmation of trichomoniasis.
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
B96.89Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vulvovaginitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N76.0.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential reimbursement denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab tests are conducted, Document specific findings
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to misclassification., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting clinical records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use B37.3 if yeast is confirmed.
Impact
Coding vaginitis without confirming the specific organism can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab confirmation and proper documentation.
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 Vulvovaginitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Vulvovaginitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Vulvovaginitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute vaginitis with unknown organism
Specialty: GynecologyRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- Physical exam findings
- Lab test results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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