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B37.3
ICD-10-CM
Vaginal Candidiasis

Find comprehensive information on Vaginal Candidiasis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 code B37.3, and SNOMED CT concepts. Learn about diagnosing yeast infection, vulvovaginal candidiasis symptoms, and treatment options. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on accurate medical coding and best practices for documenting Candida albicans infections in patient charts. Explore relevant differential diagnoses and understand the clinical presentation of vaginal candidiasis for improved patient care.

Also known as

Yeast Infection
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Vaginal Thrush

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Yeast infection of the vagina, often caused by Candida albicans.
  • Clinical Signs : Itching, burning, thick white discharge, redness, and soreness.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinics, telehealth consultations, primary care offices.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC B37.3 Coding
B37.3

Candidal vulvovaginitis

Vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida species.

B37.4

Candidiasis of other urogenital sites

Candida infection of urinary tract or other genitals.

N76

Inflammatory diseases of vagina

Includes various vaginal inflammations, sometimes related to candidiasis.

B35-B49

Mycoses

Encompasses broader fungal infections, including candidiasis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the vaginal candidiasis uncomplicated?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Vaginal yeast infection
Bacterial vaginosis
Trichomoniasis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document signs/symptoms: itching, discharge, inflammation
  • Describe discharge: thick, white, cottage cheese-like
  • KOH prep result positive for pseudohyphae/yeast
  • Vaginal pH: 4.0-4.5 (if measured)
  • Consider documenting risk factors: antibiotic use, diabetes

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Candidiasis

    Coding B37.3 (candidiasis NOS) without documenting specific site like vagina lacks specificity, impacting reimbursement and data accuracy. Use B37.4 for vaginal candidiasis.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Coding candidiasis based on symptoms alone without lab confirmation or definitive clinical findings risks overcoding and inaccurate quality reporting. Document diagnostic basis.

  • Complicated vs Uncomplicated

    Failing to distinguish uncomplicated (B37.4) from complicated (B37.8) candidiasis impacts severity coding, affecting resource utilization tracking and potential HCC coding for risk adjustment.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document yeast infection symptoms, KOH prep, and culture results for accurate ICD-10 coding (B37.3).
  • Ensure CDI aligns with clinical findings for candidiasis to avoid claim denials. Optimize SNOMED CT coding.
  • Follow evidence-based guidelines for antifungal Rx. Document patient education, allergies, and adherence.
  • For recurrent infections, investigate underlying causes. Thorough documentation aids risk adjustment & HCC coding.
  • Maintain accurate medical records, lab results, and treatment plans to ensure healthcare compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm thick, white, clumpy discharge (cottage cheese-like)
  • Verify vulvovaginal pruritus or burning sensation
  • Check for erythema or edema of vulva and vagina
  • Exclude other vaginal infections (BV, Trichomonas)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Vaginal Candidiasis: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for antifungal medications and associated visits.
  • Candidiasis diagnosis coding affects quality metrics related to womens health and infection control.
  • Proper ICD-10 coding (B37.3, etc.) is crucial for accurate hospital reporting on Vaginal Candidiasis prevalence.
  • Accurate coding and documentation maximize reimbursement and minimize claim denials for yeast infection treatment.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code B37.3 for uncomplicated
  • B37.4 for complicated candidiasis
  • Document pruritus, discharge
  • Specify location: vagina
  • Consider related conditions

Documentation Templates

Subjective: Patient presents with complaints consistent with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), also known as a yeast infection.  Symptoms include vulvar pruritus, vaginal itching, and a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge.  Patient reports burning sensation with urination (dysuria) and discomfort during intercourse (dyspareunia).  Onset of symptoms reported approximately three days ago.  Patient denies fever, chills, abdominal pain, or unusual vaginal odor.  Past medical history includes recurrent yeast infections, estimated at three episodes in the past year.  No known drug allergies.  Current medications include an oral contraceptive.

Objective:  Physical examination reveals erythematous vulva with excoriations noted.  Vaginal mucosa appears inflamed with adherent white plaques.  Speculum examination confirms thick, white discharge.  Vaginal pH is 4.0.  Wet mount microscopy reveals budding yeast and pseudohyphae, confirming the diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis.

Assessment:  Vaginal Candidiasis (ICD-10: B37.3).  Differential diagnoses considered included bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, but were ruled out based on clinical presentation and microscopic findings.  Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is suspected given the patient's history.

Plan:  Patient educated on the diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis, risk factors, and preventative measures.  Treatment prescribed with Fluconazole 150mg oral tablet, single dose (Rx: Fluconazole 150mg PO x 1).  Patient advised on proper medication administration and potential side effects.  Recommended avoidance of irritants such as scented soaps and tight-fitting clothing.  Discussed the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and the use of cotton underwear.  Follow-up recommended if symptoms persist or worsen after treatment.  Patient counseling included information on over-the-counter antifungal treatments for future episodes, emphasizing the importance of confirming the diagnosis with a healthcare professional before self-treating.  Patient encouraged to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss long-term management strategies for recurrent yeast infections, including prophylactic antifungal medications if deemed appropriate.