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B37.0
ICD-10-CM
Oral Thrush

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

Candidal Stomatitis
Oral Candidiasis
Mouth Thrush
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Yeast infection of the mouth caused by Candida.
  • Clinical Signs : White, creamy patches in the mouth, redness, soreness, difficulty swallowing.
  • Common Settings : Newborns, denture wearers, people with weakened immune systems, antibiotic use.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

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

Candidiasis of mouth

Fungal infection of the mouth caused by Candida species.

B37.8

Other candidiasis

Candidiasis affecting other specified sites, not the mouth.

B37.9

Candidiasis, unspecified

Candidiasis without a specified location in the body.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
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.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Oral thrush diagnosis, ICD-10 B37.0
  • Symptoms: white patches, redness, soreness
  • Location and extent of lesions documented
  • Confirming diagnostic method (e.g., KOH prep)
  • Differential diagnosis considered and ruled out

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document lesion morphology: size, color, location for accurate ICD-10 coding (B37.0).
  • CDI: Query clinician for confirmation of Candida albicans for proper SNOMED CT coding.
  • Healthcare compliance: Ensure antifungal Rx aligns with documented diagnosis & patient history.
  • Swab culture for definitive diagnosis improves coding accuracy and patient safety.
  • Consider patient's immune status (HIV, diabetes) for accurate comorbidity coding and CDI.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • White, creamy patches on tongue, inner cheeks, roof of mouth?
  • Easily scraped off, leaving red or bleeding area?
  • Patient immunocompromised, diabetic, or using inhaled steroids?
  • Recent antibiotic use documented?
  • Microscopic exam of KOH smear confirms Candida presence?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Oral thrush reimbursement tied to accurate ICD-10 B37.0 coding, impacting clean claims rate.
  • Quality metrics for oral thrush include timely diagnosis, treatment, and patient satisfaction scores.
  • Hospital reporting on oral thrush prevalence affects resource allocation and infection control programs.
  • Correct coding of underlying conditions (e.g., HIV) with oral thrush maximizes reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code B37.0 for oral thrush
  • Candidiasis diagnosis? Use B37
  • Document location, type of thrush
  • Include symptoms like white patches
  • Check for underlying immunocompromised state

Documentation Templates

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.