Coding for Fungal Infections - An Overview of the ICD-10 Codes

Coding for Fungal Infections - An Overview of the ICD-10 Codes

Fungal infections occur when a harmful fungi spreads over an area of the body. Learn more about four common fungal infections and their ICD-10 codes.

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Regarded as a very common problem, fungal infections occur when a harmful fungi takes over an area of the body, which is too much for the body’s immune system to handle.

Fungi can live everywhere in the air, soil, water and on plants. There are also some fungi that live naturally in the human body. Killing a harmful fungus is very difficult when they invade the human body as they can survive in the environment and re-infect the person who is trying to get better. Fungal infections often start off in the lungs or on the skin when the fungal spores (often present in the air or in the soil) come into contact with the skin or are inhaled. A person is more likely to get a fungal infection if he/she has a weakened immune system or takes antibiotics. If diagnosed quickly and appropriately treated, spreading of these infections can be controlled. However, from a medical coding service provider’s point of view, proper documentation by the physician specifying the type of fungal infections as well as their symptoms and associated complications is essential for proper code selection.

Who Are Prone to Fungal Infections?

Fungal infections are more common among people who 

Have a genetic predisposition toward fungal infections



Are born with a weakened immune system and include children, elderly people, people suffering from HIV infection, cancer, diabetes

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Are obese and have excessive skin folds

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Sweat heavily (since sweaty clothes and shoes can enhance fungus growth on the skin)

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Come in contact with a person suffering from a fungal infection

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Are consuming antibiotics

Types of Fungal Infections and Symptoms Let’s discuss the four most common types of fungal infections and their related symptoms 

Athlete's foot - A common fungal infection that affects the foot, Athlete's foot causes peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and sores. Also called “Tinea pedis”, the infection is more common during summer and warm, humid climates, where the fungus can quickly multiply. It occurs more often in people who wear tight shoes and socks, sports equipment and who use community baths and pools.

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

Jock itch - Also called “Tinea cruris”, this infection is caused by a type of fungus called “tinea”, which thrives in moist areas of the body such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. The infection is mildly contagious and often spread through direct contact with an infected person or an object that is carrying the fungus. Primary symptoms include - redness, itching or burning sensation in the infected areas, cracking, flaking, or dry peeling of the skin in the infected area and red rashes with a circular shape and raised edges.



Yeast infections - These are a common form of Candida overgrowth in women, usually caused by yeast-like fungi called “candida”. It occurs due to stress, hormonal imbalances, poor eating habits and consumption of antibiotics. This non-contagious infection is more common among people who are obese or have diabetes. The immediate signs and symptoms include - itching and swelling around the vagina; redness and soreness on and surrounding the vagina, burning sensations or pain during urination or intercourse and unusual vaginal discharge.



Ringworm - Ringworm (also called Tinea corporis) is a skin infection caused by a fungus that lives on dead tissues, such as the skin, hair, and nails. This type of infection can appear anywhere in the body and appear like a circular, red, flat sore, which is often accompanied by scaly skin. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, or from contact with pets, such as dogs.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Fungal Infections For treating fungal infections, it is important to consult a dermatologist or a general practitioner. The physician will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and will perform a detailed physical examination. In most cases, physicians will identify the type of infection based on the appearance of the skin rashes or reported symptoms. They will also ask patients about their possible exposure to people or animals with similar infections. In addition,

skin

scrapings

or

samples

from

the

infected

area

are

taken

and

examined/inspected under a microscope to identify the presence of any fungus.

Treatment for these fungal infections may be based on the type of infections and severity of symptoms a person suffers from. In most cases, physicians may prescribe topical antifungal medications and oral drugs. Over-the-counter or prescription creams may be prescribed for more severe cases.

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Dermatology medical coding involves the use of specific ICD-10 codes to document different types of fungal infections. ICD-10 codes used for common fungal infections include – 

B35 - Dermatophytosis

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B35.0 - Tinea barbae and tinea capitis

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B35.1 - Tinea unguium

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B35.2 - Tinea manuum

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B35.3 - Tinea pedis

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B35.4 - Tinea corporis

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B35.5 - Tinea imbricata

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B35.6 - Tinea cruris

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B35.8 - Other dermatophytoses

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B35.9 - Dermatophytosis, unspecified

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B36 - Other superficial mycoses

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B36.0 - Pityriasis versicolor

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B36.1 - Tinea nigra

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B36.2 - White piedra

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B36.3 - Black piedra

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B36.8 - Other specified superficial mycoses

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B36.9 - Superficial mycosis, unspecified

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B37 - Candidiasis

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B37.0 - Candidal stomatitis

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B37.1 - Pulmonary candidiasis

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B37.2 - Candidiasis of skin and nail

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B37.3 - Candidiasis of vulva and vagina

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B37.4 - Candidiasis of other urogenital sites

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B37.41 - Candidal cystitis and urethritis

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B37.42 - Candidal balanitis

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B37.49 - Other urogenital candidiasis

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B37.5 - Candidal meningitis

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B37.6 - Candidal endocarditis

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B37.7 - Candidal sepsis

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B37.8 - Candidiasis of other sites

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B37.81 - Candidal esophagitis

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B37.82 - Candidal enteritis

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B37.83 - Candidal cheilitis

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B37.84 - Candidal otitis externa

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B37.89 - Other sites of candidiasis

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B37.9 - Candidiasis, unspecified

Taking adequate preventive actions can help avoid fungal skin infections in the long run. It is extremely important to consult a dermatologist or general physician at the very first sign of infections in order to avoid serious complications. Early identification of symptoms helps in better treatment.

Medical coding for fungal infections can be challenging. For accurate and timely medical billing and claims submission, healthcare practices can outsource their medical coding tasks to a reputable medical billing company that offers the services of AAPC-certified coding specialists.

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