Learn about Candida Esophagitis, also known as Esophageal Candidiasis or Candidal Esophagitis. This resource provides information on diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding for healthcare professionals. Find details on ICD-10 codes, symptoms, treatment, and management of Candida Esophagitis for accurate and efficient clinical practice. Improve your medical coding and documentation with comprehensive insights into this esophageal condition.
Also known as
Candidiasis of esophagus
Fungal infection of the esophagus caused by Candida.
Other candidiasis
Candidiasis infections not otherwise specified.
Other specified diseases of esophagus
Includes other specific esophageal conditions.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the esophagitis confirmed to be due to Candida?
Yes
Is it related to HIV/AIDS?
No
Do not code Candida esophagitis. Code the confirmed diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Yeast infection of the esophagus. |
| General fungal infection of the esophagus. |
| Inflammation of the esophagus, non-infectious. |
Coding Candida esophagitis without specifying the esophagus can lead to inaccurate reimbursement and data analysis.
Incorrectly coding oral thrush (oral candidiasis) as esophageal candidiasis can lead to undercoding and lost revenue.
Failing to code associated HIV infection when present with Candida esophagitis can impact quality reporting and reimbursement.
Q: What are the most effective diagnostic approaches for differentiating Candida esophagitis from other esophageal disorders like GERD or eosinophilic esophagitis in immunocompetent adults?
A: Differentiating Candida esophagitis from GERD and eosinophilic esophagitis in immunocompetent adults requires a multi-pronged approach. While symptoms can overlap, endoscopic evaluation with biopsy and histopathological examination for fungal elements remains the gold standard for confirming Candida esophagitis. In contrast, GERD diagnosis often relies on symptom assessment, response to PPI therapy, and endoscopic findings like erosions or strictures, whereas eosinophilic esophagitis diagnosis hinges on the presence of a significant eosinophilic infiltrate on esophageal biopsy. Furthermore, considering patient history (e.g., recent antibiotic use, inhaled corticosteroid use) and conducting a fungal culture from esophageal brushings or biopsies can contribute valuable information to reach a definitive diagnosis. Explore how integrating clinical presentation, endoscopic features, and laboratory results can improve the accuracy of differentiating these esophageal conditions. Consider implementing a diagnostic algorithm that incorporates both endoscopic and histopathologic assessment for optimal differentiation and treatment.
Q: How does the management of Candida esophagitis differ in HIV-positive patients compared to non-HIV patients, specifically concerning initial antifungal choice, treatment duration, and secondary prophylaxis?
A: Management of Candida esophagitis differs significantly between HIV-positive and non-HIV patients. In non-HIV patients, oral fluconazole is often the first-line treatment for uncomplicated cases, with a typical duration of 14-21 days. However, HIV-positive individuals, particularly those with advanced disease or low CD4 counts, may require more aggressive therapy with intravenous formulations like caspofungin initially, followed by a longer course of oral fluconazole. Secondary prophylaxis with fluconazole is often recommended for HIV-positive patients with recurrent esophagitis or persistent immune suppression to prevent relapse. Treatment duration and the decision to initiate secondary prophylaxis in HIV-positive patients should be individualized based on CD4 count, viral load, and clinical response. Learn more about the latest guidelines for managing opportunistic infections in HIV-positive individuals to tailor treatment approaches and optimize patient outcomes.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with Candida esophagitis, also known as esophageal candidiasis or candidal esophagitis. Symptoms include odynophagia, dysphagia, retrosternal chest pain, and occasional nausea or vomiting. The patient reports difficulty swallowing, particularly with solid foods. Oral thrush was noted on examination. The differential diagnosis includes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal spasm, and eosinophilic esophagitis. Given the clinical presentation and oral thrush, a diagnosis of Candida esophagitis is suspected. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other esophageal pathologies. Treatment will be initiated with oral fluconazole, pending the EGD and biopsy results. Patient education provided on medication compliance, dietary modifications, and follow-up care. ICD-10 code B37.8 will be used for Candida esophagitis, with additional codes added if other conditions are identified. CPT codes for the EGD and biopsy will be determined upon procedure completion. This documentation supports medical necessity for the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.