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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesB36.8

B36.8

Other superficial mycoses

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 B36.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other superficial mycoses.

Key Diagnostic Point:

B36.8 refers to a category of fungal infections that affect the skin and mucous membranes, which are not classified under more specific mycoses. These infections can be caused by various fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds. Common manifestations include tinea (ringworm), candidiasis, and other superficial fungal infections that do not fit neatly into other categories. Patients may present with symptoms such as itching, redness, scaling, and lesions on the skin or mucous membranes. The diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and may be confirmed with laboratory tests, such as KOH preparation or fungal cultures. Treatment often involves topical or systemic antifungal medications, depending on the severity and extent of the infection. In immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or undergoing chemotherapy, these infections can be more severe and may require aggressive treatment. Proper identification and management are crucial to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of fungal pathogens that can cause superficial mycoses.
  • Overlap with other fungal infection codes, requiring careful differentiation.
  • Potential for misclassification if detailed documentation is lacking.
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on patient immunocompetence.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific fungal organism.
  • Failure to document the patient's immunocompromised status.
  • Misuse of the code for more specific fungal infections.
  • Lack of supporting lab results or clinical findings.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of lesions, location, and symptoms; lab results confirming fungal infection.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and treatment of tinea infections, candidiasis, and other superficial fungal infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the type of fungal infection and any underlying conditions.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including immunocompromised status and previous infections.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, including treatment adjustments.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic antifungal therapy and monitoring for complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use B36.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, B36
  • 8 should be used when the specific type of superficial mycosis is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and laboratory results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use B36.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

87210CPT Code

Fungal culture

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm the diagnosis of a fungal infection.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the culture and the clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Dermatology may require more detailed documentation of the lesion.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fungal infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. B36.8 provides a broader category for infections that do not fit into more specific codes, allowing for better tracking of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fungal infections, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. B36.8 provides a broader category for infections that do not fit into more specific codes, allowing for better tracking of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. B36.8 provides a broader category for infections that do not fit into more specific codes, allowing for better tracking of these conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Fungal Diseases

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Fungal Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common treatments for superficial mycoses?

Common treatments include topical antifungals such as clotrimazole or miconazole for localized infections, and systemic antifungals like fluconazole or itraconazole for more extensive or recurrent infections.