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B37.2
ICD-10-CM
Fungal Infection Under Breast Fold

Find information on diagnosing and documenting Fungal Infection Under Breast Fold, also known as Candidal Intertrigo or Intertriginous Candidiasis. This resource offers guidance on healthcare, clinical documentation, and medical coding for this condition, including ICD-10 codes and SNOMED CT terms relevant to intertriginous fungal infections. Learn about the appropriate medical terminology for accurate diagnosis and billing.

Also known as

Candidal Intertrigo
Intertriginous Candidiasis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Fungal skin infection in warm, moist folds like under the breast.
  • Clinical Signs : Red, itchy rash, sometimes with small pustules or white patches.
  • Common Settings : Obesity, diabetes, antibiotic use, warm humid climates.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC B37.2 Coding
B37.0

Candidiasis of skin and nails

Fungal infection of the skin and nails caused by Candida species.

L30.4

Intertrigo

Inflammation of skin folds, often caused by friction, moisture, and infection.

B35-B49

Mycoses

Diseases caused by fungal infections, affecting various body parts.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the infection confirmed as candidal?

  • Yes

    Is it specified as intertrigo?

  • No

    Is the specific fungal organism identified?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Fungal infection under the breast
Bacterial skin infection
Contact dermatitis (breast)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document location, morphology, and extent of erythema.
  • Note presence of satellite lesions or pustules.
  • Confirm KOH prep positive for pseudohyphae or yeast.
  • Document patient-reported symptoms like itching, burning, or pain.
  • Rule out other intertrigo causes (bacterial, irritant).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Site

    Coding Fungal Infection without specifying the exact location on the breast fold can lead to claim rejection and inaccurate data.

  • Candidiasis Miscoding

    Incorrectly coding Candidal Intertrigo as a general fungal infection may affect reimbursement and epidemiological studies.

  • Documentation Deficiency

    Lack of proper documentation supporting the diagnosis of Intertriginous Candidiasis can lead to audit failures and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Keep skin clean and dry. Use antifungal powders.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing. Avoid tight bras.
  • Manage diabetes. Control blood sugar levels.
  • Apply prescribed topical antifungals as directed.
  • Promote air circulation. Consider cool compresses.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm erythema, maceration, or satellite lesions under breast.
  • Rule out bacterial or dermatophyte infection with KOH prep.
  • Assess patient risk factors: obesity, diabetes, antibiotic use.
  • Document lesion characteristics, location, and severity.
  • Consider concomitant infections: Candida vaginitis, oral thrush.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Medical Billing: Accurate coding for Fungal Infection (ICD-10 B37.1, B37.2) impacts reimbursement positively.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correctly coding Candidal Intertrigo/Intertriginous Candidiasis improves claim acceptance.
  • Hospital Reporting: Proper diagnosis coding (B37) enhances infection control surveillance and quality metrics.
  • Reimbursement Impact: Precise coding maximizes payment and minimizes denials for antifungal treatment.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How can I differentiate intertrigo caused by Candida species from other types of intertriginous dermatitis in patients presenting with inflammation under the breast fold?

A: Differentiating candidal intertrigo from other forms of intertriginous dermatitis under the breast fold requires a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing. While erythema, maceration, and satellite lesions are suggestive of Candida, similar presentations can be seen with bacterial or irritant dermatitis. Begin by taking a thorough patient history, noting any predisposing factors such as diabetes, obesity, or antibiotic use. A potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of skin scrapings is crucial for identifying the presence of budding yeast and pseudohyphae, confirming a fungal etiology. Furthermore, consider performing a bacterial culture if secondary bacterial infection is suspected. If the clinical picture is unclear or unresponsive to initial treatment, a fungal culture can provide definitive species identification. Explore how different diagnostic tests can help guide targeted treatment strategies for intertrigo under the breast fold.

Q: What are the most effective topical antifungal treatments for persistent Candida intertrigo under the breast fold, and how should treatment duration be determined for optimal patient outcomes?

A: Topical antifungal agents are the mainstay of treatment for candidal intertrigo under the breast. Nystatin, clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, and econazole creams are all effective options. Choice of agent often depends on patient preference, cost, and local availability. For persistent or recurrent infections, consider prescribing a topical azole antifungal twice daily for 2-4 weeks, even after symptoms resolve, to ensure complete eradication. The optimal treatment duration depends on the severity of the infection and individual patient response. Closely monitor the affected area for improvement and consider implementing strategies to reduce moisture and friction, such as absorbent powders and properly fitted bras. Learn more about tailoring treatment duration to individual patient needs and preventing recurrence of fungal infections.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code B37.8 for candidiasis
  • Document skin folds, location
  • Rule out other infections
  • Consider comorbidities like diabetes
  • Check for satellite lesions

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with a fungal infection under the breast fold, clinically diagnosed as intertrigo, likely candidal intertrigo or intertriginous candidiasis.  The patient reports erythema, pruritus, and burning sensation in the inframammary fold.  Visual examination reveals moist, erythematous plaques with satellite lesions and maceration in the affected area.  Differential diagnoses considered included bacterial infection, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.  Based on the clinical presentation and patient history, a diagnosis of fungal intertrigo is made.  Treatment plan includes topical antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, applied twice daily for two weeks.  Patient education provided on proper hygiene practices, including keeping the area clean and dry, and avoiding tight-fitting clothing.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in two weeks to assess treatment response.  ICD-10 code L30.4 (Intertrigo) is documented for medical billing and coding purposes.  SNOMED CT concept 23449007 (Candidiasis of skin) may also be used for precise clinical documentation within the EHR.
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