Facebook tracking pixel
A59.9
ICD-10-CM
Trichomonas Infection

Find comprehensive information on Trichomonas infection, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 A59.0, SNOMED CT 8254004), diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare guidelines. Learn about Trichomonas vaginalis, testing methods, symptoms, and prevention strategies. This resource offers essential information for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders seeking accurate and up-to-date details on Trichomonas diagnosis and management.

Also known as

Trichomoniasis
Trichomonal Infection

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic, but can cause vaginal itching, discharge, and pain during urination or sex.
  • Common Settings : Sexual health clinics, primary care offices, gynecology departments.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC A59.9 Coding
A59

Trichomoniasis

Infections caused by the protozoan Trichomonas.

A60-A64

Other spirochaetal diseases

Includes other sexually transmitted infections like syphilis and yaws.

B50-B64

Protozoal diseases

Encompasses various protozoal infections, excluding malaria and trichomoniasis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the Trichomonas infection urogenital?

  • Yes

    In a male?

  • No

    Is other site specified?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Trichomonas infection
Vaginitis, unspecified
Vulvovaginitis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Trichomonas infection diagnosis documentation
  • ICD-10 code A59.0: Trichomonas vaginitis
  • Signs/symptoms: vaginal discharge, itching, dysuria
  • Lab test results: Wet mount, NAAT, culture
  • Treatment plan: metronidazole, partner treatment

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Trichomonas Site

    Coding A59.9 (Trichomoniasis, unspecified) when a more specific site is documented leads to inaccurate data and potential underpayment.

  • Missed Co-infection Coding

    Failure to code other STIs present with trichomoniasis (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea) impacts public health data and reimbursement.

  • Overcoding Treatment Resistance

    Coding metronidazole resistance (A59.02) without proper documentation can trigger audits and denials. Requires explicit provider statement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document 'Trichomonas vaginalis' not just 'Trich'. ICD-10: A59.0
  • Wet mount, NAAT improve Dx accuracy. CPT: 87220, 87519, 87798
  • Screen sexual partners. Essential for compliance, prevents reinfection.
  • Treat with metronidazole/tinidazole. Document dosage, duration. ICD-10: J02.9
  • Follow-up testing not always needed per CDC. Document rationale if done.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Wet mount: motile trichomonads?
  • 2. NAAT ordered if wet mount negative?
  • 3. Culture ordered if NAAT unavailable?
  • 4. ICD-10: A59.0, SNOMED: 22736007 documented?
  • 5. Partner treatment discussed/documented?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Trichomonas Infection: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • Keywords: Trichomonas Vaginalis, ICD-10 A59.0, Medical Billing, Coding Accuracy, STI Screening, Hospital Reporting, Quality Measures, Healthcare Reimbursement
  • Impact 1: Accurate A59.0 coding maximizes reimbursement for Trichomonas diagnosis.
  • Impact 2: Proper documentation supports medical necessity for testing and treatment, impacting payor contracts.
  • Impact 3: Trichomonas screening rates contribute to quality metrics like HEDIS and other public health reporting.

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 Trichomonas by site
  • Confirm diagnosis for B72.4
  • Document microscopy findings
  • Use A59.0 for urogenital site
  • Specify vaginitis/urethritis

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.  Symptoms reported include vaginal discharge described as frothy, yellow-green, and malodorous, accompanied by vulvovaginal itching, dyspareunia, and dysuria.  Physical examination reveals erythema and edema of the vulva and vagina, with punctate hemorrhages on the cervix (strawberry cervix).  A wet mount microscopy examination of vaginal discharge confirms the presence of motile trichomonads.  Diagnosis of Trichomonas infection confirmed.  Differential diagnoses considered included bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and other STIs.  Patient education provided regarding safe sex practices, partner notification, and the importance of treatment adherence.  Treatment plan includes metronidazole 500mg orally twice daily for seven days.  Patient advised to abstain from sexual intercourse until treatment is completed and both patient and partner(s) are asymptomatic.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in one week to assess treatment response and screen for other STIs.  ICD-10 code A59.0, trichomoniasis, assigned.  Medical billing codes for microscopy and office visit will be applied as appropriate.  Patient advised to contact the clinic if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.
Trichomonas Infection - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation