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B35.9
ICD-10-CM
Tinea

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

Ringworm
Dermatophytosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC B35.9 Coding
B35.0-B36.9

Dermatophytosis

Superficial fungal infections of the skin.

B35.1

Tinea corporis

Ringworm of the body excluding the scalp, beard, groin, hand, and foot.

B35.3

Tinea imbricata

A chronic and relapsing form of tinea corporis.

B35.4

Tinea unguium

Fungal infection of the nails, also known as onychomycosis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Ringworm fungal skin infection
Yeast skin infection (candidiasis)
Seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Tinea diagnosis: Document affected body area.
  • Describe lesion morphology (e.g., scaly, erythematous).
  • KOH prep result positive/negative for hyphae.
  • Document differential diagnoses considered.
  • Tinea treatment plan: topical/oral antifungals specified.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Tinea Site

    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.

  • Miscoded Tinea Type

    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.

  • Overcoding Tinea Severity

    Coding for severe tinea with complications (e.g., cellulitis) without proper documentation may trigger higher reimbursement scrutiny and compliance issues. Physician queries are crucial.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document lesion appearance, size, location for accurate ICD-10 coding (Tinea corporis: G31.0)
  • KOH prep microscopy confirms diagnosis, improves CDI, ensures appropriate billing
  • Differential diagnosis documentation supports medical necessity, avoids compliance issues
  • Follow treatment guidelines, document response for optimal patient care and accurate coding
  • Educate patients on hygiene, prevention to reduce recurrence, minimize healthcare costs

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm visual exam: scaly, itchy rash
  • KOH microscopy: visualize hyphae/spores
  • Wood's lamp exam: fluorescence (some types)
  • Culture (if atypical presentation): confirm species
  • Document location, size, morphology for ICD-10 coding

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Tinea reimbursement: Maximize claims with accurate ICD-10 diagnosis coding (B35.x) for optimal payment.
  • Coding accuracy impact: Precise Tinea subtype coding ensures correct severity reflection, impacting RVU and payment.
  • Quality metrics impact: Proper Tinea documentation and coding influences hospital infection control reporting.
  • Hospital reporting impact: Accurate Tinea data crucial for public health surveillance and resource allocation.

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 tinea by body site
  • ICD-10 B35. Use specifics
  • Document type, site, morphology
  • Rule out other dermatoses
  • Consider KOH test results

Documentation Templates

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.