Learn about tinea, also known as ringworm, including clinical documentation, diagnosis codes (ICD-10), treatment options, and healthcare guidelines. This resource provides information on various types of tinea, such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm on the body), tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), and tinea unguium (onychomycosis). Find details on symptoms, differential diagnosis, and medical coding for accurate clinical documentation.
Also known as
Dermatophytosis
Superficial fungal infections of the skin.
Tinea corporis
Ringworm of the body excluding the scalp, beard, groin, hand, and foot.
Tinea imbricata
A chronic and relapsing form of tinea corporis.
Tinea unguium
Fungal infection of the nails, also known as onychomycosis.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the Tinea site specified?
Yes
Scalp (capitis)?
No
B35.9 Tinea, unspecified
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Ringworm fungal skin infection |
Yeast skin infection (candidiasis) |
Seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) |
Coding unspecified tinea (B35.9) when a more specific site is documented leads to inaccurate data and potential payment errors. CDI can query for specificity.
Incorrectly coding tinea corporis (B36.0) as tinea pedis (B35.2) or vice versa impacts epidemiological data and resource allocation. Coding audits can detect this.
Coding for severe tinea with complications (e.g., cellulitis) without proper documentation may trigger higher reimbursement scrutiny and compliance issues. Physician queries are crucial.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with tinea, also known as ringworm, dermatophytosis, or a fungal skin infection. Onset of symptoms reported as [Date of onset] and include [List of symptoms, e.g., pruritus, burning sensation, erythema, scaling, raised border]. Affected area is located on the [Body location, e.g., scalp, groin, feet, body]. Lesions are characterized as [Description of lesions, e.g., annular, erythematous plaques with a raised, scaly border and central clearing]. Differential diagnosis includes eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and intertrigo. KOH preparation [positive/negative] for hyphae and spores, confirming the diagnosis of tinea [Specify type, e.g., corporis, cruris, pedis, capitis]. Patient denies fever, chills, or systemic symptoms. No lymphadenopathy noted. Past medical history significant for [List relevant medical history]. Current medications include [List medications]. Allergies include [List allergies]. Plan includes [Topical/Oral antifungal medication, e.g., clotrimazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole] applied [Frequency] for [Duration]. Patient education provided regarding hygiene practices to prevent recurrence, including keeping the affected area clean and dry, avoiding sharing personal items, and proper handwashing. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Duration] to assess treatment response. ICD-10 code [Appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., B35.1, B35.3, B35.4, B35.6] is assigned for tinea [Specify type]. Treatment deemed medically necessary.