Find comprehensive information on oral thrush (oral candidiasis) diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 (B37.0) and SNOMED CT codes, differential diagnosis considerations, and treatment options. Learn about signs, symptoms, and risk factors for candidiasis in the mouth, along with healthcare provider resources for accurate medical coding and billing. This resource supports clinicians in documenting patient encounters and ensures appropriate reimbursement for oral thrush treatment.
Also known as
Candidiasis of mouth
Fungal infection of the mouth caused by Candida species.
Other candidiasis
Candidiasis affecting other specified sites, not the mouth.
Candidiasis, unspecified
Candidiasis without a specified location in the body.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the oral thrush confirmed?
Yes
Pseudomembranous?
No
Do not code oral thrush. Code signs/symptoms or suspected diagnosis as appropriate.
When to use each related code
Description |
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Creamy white lesions, usually on tongue or inner cheeks. |
Inflammation, redness, soreness of the mouth and lips. |
Red, flat, smooth tongue with loss of papillae. |
Patient presents with clinical findings consistent with oral thrush (oral candidiasis, pseudomembranous candidiasis). Symptoms include white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of the mouth, gums, and tonsils. The patient reports discomfort, described as a burning sensation or soreness, and possible difficulty swallowing. Lesions appear creamy white and may bleed slightly when scraped. Differential diagnosis includes leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, and hairy leukoplakia. KOH preparation of scraped lesion reveals pseudohyphae and yeast cells, confirming the diagnosis of Candida albicans infection. Predisposing factors discussed with the patient include recent antibiotic use, inhaled corticosteroid use, denture wear, diabetes mellitus, and immunosuppression. Treatment plan includes oral antifungal medication such as nystatin suspension or clotrimazole troches. Patient education provided regarding proper oral hygiene, medication administration, and follow-up care. ICD-10 code B37.0 (Candidiasis of mouth) assigned. Patient advised to return for reevaluation if symptoms persist or worsen after completing the prescribed antifungal therapy.