ICD-10 Code B35.1 | Tinea unguium Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Tinea unguium, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the nails, primarily caused by dermatophytes. It is clinically significant due to its potential to cause nail deformity, pain, and secondary infections. Accurate coding with ICD-10 Code B35.1 facilitates proper diagnosis, documentation, and billing, ensuring effective treatment and public health reporting.

What is ICD-10 Code B35.1 for Tinea unguium?

ICD-10 Code B35.1 represents Tinea unguium, a fungal infection affecting the nails. This code is used when documenting cases of onychomycosis, which can lead to nail discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. It is essential for accurate clinical documentation and billing, particularly in dermatological and infectious disease contexts.

ICD-10 Code B35.1 – Clinical Definition and Explanation of Tinea unguium

Tinea unguium is primarily caused by dermatophyte fungi, leading to nail infections that can progress to significant nail damage and discomfort. Medical attention is necessary to prevent complications and manage symptoms effectively.

Key Clinical Features:

• Nail discoloration, often yellow or white.
• Thickening and brittleness of the affected nails.
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis).
• Possible pain or discomfort in severe cases.

ICD-10 Code B35.1 for Tinea unguium – SOAP Notes & Clinical Use

ICD-10 Code B35.1 is utilized in SOAP notes to document the presence of Tinea unguium, aiding in the assessment of symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment plans. This code is relevant in both acute and chronic care settings.

What Does ICD-10 Code B35.1 for Tinea unguium Mean in SOAP Notes?

In SOAP notes, ICD-10 Code B35.1 connects subjective patient-reported symptoms with objective clinical findings, facilitating a formal diagnosis. This ensures continuity of care, supports accurate billing, and meets EHR documentation standards.

Treatment Options for ICD-10 Code B35.1 – Tinea unguium

Tinea unguium requires prompt treatment to prevent progression and complications. Antifungal therapy is essential for effective management.

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Terbinafine 250 mg orally daily for 6-12 weeks.
• Itraconazole 200 mg orally daily for 12 weeks.
• Fluconazole 150 mg weekly for 6-12 months.

Supportive Care:

• Regular nail trimming and maintenance.
• Keeping nails dry and clean.
• Avoiding tight footwear to reduce pressure on nails.

Infection Control:

• Educating patients on hygiene practices.
• Avoiding sharing personal items like nail clippers.
• Using antifungal powders in shoes to prevent reinfection.

How to Document Symptoms of Tinea unguium (ICD-10 B35.1) in SOAP Notes

Subjective:

• Patient reports nail discoloration and thickening.
• History of nail pain and discomfort.
• Previous treatments attempted with no improvement.

Objective:

• Physical examination reveals yellow, thickened nails.
• Nail separation noted on examination.
• No signs of acute inflammation or secondary infection.

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SOAP Note Guidelines for Diagnosing Tinea unguium (ICD-10 Code B35.1)

Assessment:

• Diagnosis: Tinea unguium (Onychomycosis), moderate severity.
• ICD-10 Code: B35.1.
• Contributing factors: History of athlete's foot and nail trauma.

Plan:

• Initiate treatment with terbinafine 250 mg orally daily.
• Educate patient on nail care and hygiene.
• Schedule follow-up in 8 weeks to assess treatment response.

Treatment & Plan Section for ICD-10 Code B35.1 – Tinea unguium

• First-line pharmacologic treatment includes oral antifungals like terbinafine.
• Non-pharmacologic strategies involve maintaining nail hygiene and avoiding moisture.
• Monitoring includes regular follow-up appointments to assess nail growth and treatment efficacy.
• Patient education on prevention strategies to avoid recurrence.

Using ICD-10 Code B35.1 for Tinea unguium in Billing & SOAP Note Compliance

• Select appropriate ICD-10 code based on clinical findings and severity.
• Document symptoms clearly under Subjective (S) and Objective (O) sections.
• Ensure treatment plans align with clinical guidelines to support justified billing.
• Include relevant CPT codes for services rendered alongside the diagnosis.

Related ICD-10 Codes Often Used with Tinea unguium

• B35.0 – Tinea corporis
• B35.2 – Tinea pedis

ICD-10 Code B35.1 in Medical Billing and Insurance for Tinea unguium

ICD-10 Code B35.1 is crucial for billing in hospital, ER, or infectious disease care settings.

Billing Notes:

• Document all relevant patient history and clinical findings to support the diagnosis.
• Use the code in conjunction with appropriate CPT codes for services provided.
• Ensure documentation reflects the severity and treatment plan for accurate reimbursement.

Common CPT Pairings: