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B37.3
ICD-10-CM
Yeast Vaginitis

Find comprehensive information on Yeast Vaginitis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 B37.3, Candida vaginitis), and healthcare guidelines. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and differential diagnosis for vulvovaginal candidiasis, yeast infection, and vaginal candidiasis. This resource offers support for accurate medical coding and complete clinical documentation for healthcare professionals.

Also known as

Candidal Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Yeast Infection

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Vaginal fungal infection, typically by Candida albicans, causing inflammation.
  • Clinical Signs : Itching, burning, thick white discharge, redness, soreness.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinic, telehealth consultation, womens health visit.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

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

Candidal vulvovaginitis

Vaginal infection caused by Candida species.

B35.0-B35.9

Other superficial mycoses

Fungal infections affecting skin and mucous membranes.

N76

Inflammatory diseases of vagina

Covers various inflammatory conditions of the vagina.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the diagnosis yeast vaginitis?

  • Yes

    Is it uncomplicated?

  • No

    Do not code as yeast vaginitis. Review diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Yeast infection of the vagina
Bacterial Vaginosis
Trichomoniasis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Yeast vaginitis diagnosis documented
  • Symptoms: itching, burning, discharge
  • Pelvic exam findings: erythema, edema
  • KOH prep/wet mount: pseudohyphae/budding yeast
  • ICD-10 code N76.0 Candidal vulvovaginitis

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Vaginitis Coding

    Using unspecified vaginitis codes (e.g., N76.0, N76.8) when yeast vaginitis is confirmed leads to inaccurate data and reimbursement.

  • Lack of Candida Confirmation

    Coding yeast vaginitis (B37.3) without documented Candida species identification via microscopy or culture lacks diagnostic specificity.

  • Unconfirmed Recurrent Cases

    Coding recurrent yeast vaginitis (B37.3, N76.1) without proper documentation of multiple episodes within a timeframe risks overcoding and audit issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document KOH prep results for ICD-10 B37.3, Candida vaginitis diagnosis.
  • Specify yeast species if identified for accurate CDI & coding (e.g., B37.4).
  • Confirm diagnosis with microscopy for compliant billing of antifungal Rx.
  • Rule out other vaginitis causes, document differentials for improved CDI.
  • Avoid blanket 'vaginitis' coding, specify 'yeast' for compliance & data quality.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge (ICD-10 N76.0)
  • Verify vulvovaginal pruritus or burning sensation (SNOMED CT 248574002)
  • Check vaginal pH <4.5 (LOINC 2951-2), KOH prep for pseudohyphae/buds
  • Rule out bacterial vaginosis/trichomoniasis (differential diagnosis)
  • Document patient-reported symptoms, exam findings, lab results for quality care

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Yeast Vaginitis reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (B37.3) and supporting documentation for optimal payer contract rates.
  • Coding quality directly impacts CC/MCC capture for Yeast Vaginitis, influencing MS-DRG assignment and hospital case mix index.
  • Timely and specific diagnosis coding for Yeast Vaginitis improves data integrity for public health reporting and epidemiological studies.
  • Proper coding and documentation minimize claim denials for Yeast Vaginitis, reducing A/R days and improving revenue cycle management.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How to differentiate Vulvovaginal Candidiasis from other causes of vulvovaginitis in clinical practice?

A: Differentiating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) from other vulvovaginitis etiologies like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or trichomoniasis requires a comprehensive approach. Consider these key factors: 1. **Symptoms:** While itching is common in VVC, it can also occur in other conditions. Thick, white, "cottage cheese" discharge is more suggestive of VVC, while a thin, grayish discharge with a fishy odor points towards BV. Trichomoniasis often presents with a frothy, yellow-green discharge and may cause dysuria. 2. **Point-of-Care Testing:** Performing a vaginal pH test can be helpful. VVC typically presents with a normal vaginal pH (3.8-4.5), while BV often elevates pH above 4.5. Microscopic examination of a wet mount preparation can reveal budding yeast and pseudohyphae in VVC, clue cells in BV, and motile trichomonads in trichomoniasis. 3. **Culture:** While not always necessary, fungal culture can confirm the diagnosis of VVC and identify the specific Candida species, which is especially useful in recurrent or resistant cases. Explore how integrating these diagnostic steps can improve the accuracy of VVC diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment decisions.

Q: What are the recommended first-line antifungal treatments for uncomplicated and complicated Yeast Vaginitis, considering patient preferences and CDC guidelines?

A: For uncomplicated VVC, the CDC recommends short-course topical antifungal therapies (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole) as the first-line treatment due to their efficacy, safety, and over-the-counter availability. Oral fluconazole (single dose) is another effective option, particularly for patients who prefer oral medication or have difficulty with topical application. For complicated VVC (e.g., recurrent infections, severe symptoms, non-albicans species), longer-duration topical or oral antifungal regimens are recommended. Consider implementing patient-centered shared decision-making to select the most appropriate treatment option, taking into account individual preferences, cost, and potential adverse effects. Learn more about the latest CDC guidelines for VVC management to ensure optimal patient care.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code candidiasis B37.3
  • Document yeast, discharge, itching
  • Confirm species for specificity
  • Consider KOH, wet mount results
  • Rule out other vaginitis

Documentation Templates

Subjective: Patient presents complaining of vaginal itching, burning, and irritation.  She describes a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge.  Symptoms have been present for approximately three days and are worse after intercourse.  She denies fever, chills, abdominal pain, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.  Patient reports a history of recurrent yeast infections, with the last episode occurring approximately six months ago.  She denies any known allergies.  Current medications include an oral contraceptive.  Social history is negative for tobacco use; occasional alcohol use is reported.

Objective:  Pelvic examination reveals erythema and edema of the vulva and vagina.  Thick, white, adherent discharge is noted in the vaginal vault.  Microscopic examination of a wet mount preparation reveals budding yeast and pseudohyphae, confirming the diagnosis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC).  No cervical motion tenderness or adnexal masses are palpated.  Vital signs are within normal limits.

Assessment:  Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection).  Differential diagnoses considered include Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis, but these were ruled out based on clinical presentation and microscopic findings.  ICD-10 code B37.3 is assigned.

Plan:  Patient was educated on the diagnosis and treatment of yeast infections.  She was prescribed Fluconazole 150mg oral tablet, single dose.  Patient counseling included discussion of preventative measures such as avoiding tight-fitting clothing, maintaining good hygiene practices, and considering probiotic use.  Follow-up is recommended if symptoms do not resolve within one week.  Patient was provided with information on vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment, yeast infection symptoms, vaginal discharge causes, and candidiasis diagnosis.  Information regarding prescription drug costs and over-the-counter antifungal treatment options was also discussed.