Learn about Candidiasis of Mouth (Oral Thrush, Oral Candidiasis) diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (B37.0, B37.9, B37), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices for accurate oral thrush diagnosis and treatment. This resource provides information for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals on identifying, documenting, and coding oral candidiasis in medical records. Find details on symptoms, causes, and treatment options for C. albicans infection in the mouth.
Also known as
Candidiasis of mouth
Fungal infection of the mouth caused by Candida species.
Other candidiasis
Candidiasis at sites other than those specifically classified.
Glossitis with other lesions
Inflammation of the tongue with other specified lesions, which could include candidiasis.
Candidiasis, unspecified
Candidiasis infection without specification of site or type.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the candidiasis limited to the mouth?
Yes
Is it pseudomembranous?
No
Code B37.8 (Other and unspecified candidiasis of mouth) and code the other affected sites
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Yeast infection of the mouth. |
| Inflammation of the tongue. |
| Inflammation of the lips and corners of the mouth. |
Coding C. albicans without specifying the oral site (tongue, buccal mucosa) can lead to claim rejections. ICD-10 requires greater specificity.
Failing to code the underlying condition causing oral thrush (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy) can impact reimbursement and quality metrics.
Discrepancies between physician notes and lab results for candidiasis can trigger audits and denials. CDI specialist review is crucial.
Q: What are the most effective antifungal treatment strategies for refractory oral candidiasis in immunocompromised patients?
A: Managing refractory oral candidiasis in immunocompromised patients requires a multifaceted approach. First-line therapy typically involves topical antifungals like nystatin suspension or clotrimazole troches. However, for refractory cases, systemic antifungals such as fluconazole, itraconazole, or posaconazole may be necessary. The choice of agent and duration of therapy should be guided by the patient's specific immune status, the severity of infection, and potential drug interactions. Consider implementing antifungal susceptibility testing to guide treatment decisions and explore how combination therapy or alternative delivery methods (e.g., intravenous amphotericin B for severe cases) may improve outcomes. Additionally, managing underlying predisposing factors, like poor glycemic control or denture hygiene, is crucial for long-term success. Learn more about emerging antifungal therapies and personalized medicine approaches for managing resistant candidiasis.
Q: How can I differentiate between oral candidiasis and other oral lesions mimicking thrush in adults?
A: Differentiating oral candidiasis from other oral lesions like leukoplakia, lichen planus, or squamous cell carcinoma can be challenging. While the classic presentation of oral thrush involves white, creamy plaques that can be scraped off, revealing erythematous mucosa, these features aren't always present, especially in early or atypical cases. A thorough clinical examination, including assessment of the lesion's appearance, location, and associated symptoms, is essential. Consider performing a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and microscopic examination for fungal hyphae to confirm the diagnosis of candidiasis. If there's diagnostic uncertainty, particularly with lesions that are persistent, indurated, or exhibit atypical features, a biopsy and histopathological examination are warranted to rule out premalignant or malignant conditions. Explore how advanced diagnostic techniques, such as confocal laser endomicroscopy or fluorescence in situ hybridization, can aid in early detection and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Patient presents with clinical manifestations consistent with oral candidiasis (oral thrush). Symptoms include white, creamy plaques on the oral mucosa, tongue, and inner cheeks. The patient reports discomfort, including a burning sensation and altered taste. Lesions are easily scraped off, revealing erythematous underlying mucosa. Differential diagnosis includes leukoplakia, lichen planus, and hairy leukoplakia. Diagnosis confirmed visually and considered consistent with ICD-10 code B37.0 (Candidiasis of mouth). Predisposing factors for this fungal infection were explored, including recent antibiotic use, immunosuppression, diabetes, and denture use. Patient education provided regarding oral hygiene, including antifungal mouthwash (nystatin) instructions and the importance of managing underlying conditions. Treatment plan includes topical antifungal therapy with nystatin oral suspension. Follow-up scheduled to assess treatment response and address any persistent symptoms or complications of oral thrush, such as angular cheilitis. Patient advised to seek further medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve with prescribed treatment. Medical coding for this encounter will utilize appropriate CPT codes for evaluation and management services, along with the specific code for oral candidiasis. Documentation reviewed for accuracy and completeness for proper medical billing and reimbursement.