Onychomycosis, a common fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails, is more than just a cosmetic concern. In medical billing and coding, accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure proper patient care and claim processing. For healthcare providers, coders, and billers, knowing the ICD 10 for Onychomycosis is essential.
In this post, we’ll dive into the correct ICD-10 code, how it applies to nail fungus, and its significance in healthcare documentation and revenue cycle management.
What Is Onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nails—most often the toenails. It causes the nails to become thick, discolored, brittle, and sometimes painful. This condition is commonly referred to as nail fungus and can be caused by various types of fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds.
Though often seen as a minor issue, untreated onychomycosis of toenails can lead to more serious complications, especially in diabetic or immunocompromised patients.
ICD 10 for Onychomycosis: B35.1
The ICD-10-CM code used for onychomycosis is:
B35.1 – Tinea Unguium (Onychomycosis)
This code falls under the category for mycoses, specifically dermatophytosis, which includes fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. When documenting or coding a case of onychomycosis, whether affecting the fingernails or toenails, this is the code that should be used.
Keyword Variants:
- onychomycosis ICD 10
- onychomycosis toenails ICD 10
- nail fungus ICD 10
- B35.1
All of these refer back to the same diagnosis: fungal nail infection classified under ICD-10 B35.1.
Why Accurate Coding Matters
Accurate coding plays a key role in:
- Ensuring proper reimbursement
- Reducing claim denials
- Improving patient documentation
- Supporting continuity of care
At Prospect Healthcare Solutions, we understand that even a simple code like B35.1 for onychomycosis ICD 10 can impact your revenue cycle and compliance. That’s why our medical billing and coding services are designed to eliminate errors, maximize reimbursement, and keep your practice compliant with the latest ICD-10 updates.
Tips for Proper Documentation of Onychomycosis
To support the use of ICD-10 B35.1, your documentation should include:
- Location (toenails, fingernails)
- Severity (mild, moderate, severe)
- Duration (acute or chronic)
- Underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes)
- Diagnostic methods (e.g., nail biopsy, culture)
Detailed documentation ensures your claim aligns with medical necessity and payer policies.
Trust the Experts in Medical Coding and Billing
Navigating the complexities of ICD-10 codes for nail fungus shouldn’t slow down your practice. At Prospect Healthcare Solutions, our certified coders specialize in dermatology, podiatry, and primary care documentation, ensuring every claim is coded correctly the first time.
Need help optimizing your coding for onychomycosis toenails ICD 10 or other dermatological conditions? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can support your practice with precision and compliance.
Final Thoughts
The correct ICD-10 for Onychomycosis is B35.1, and using this code appropriately is vital for clean claim submission and accurate reimbursement. Whether you refer to it as onychomycosis ICD 10, nail fungus ICD 10, or onychomycosis toenails ICD 10, make sure your team is using the right documentation and coding tools.
Let Prospect Healthcare Solutions be your partner in getting it right—every time.
