ICD-10 Code for Yeast Infection (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis)
The ICD-10 code for vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) is B37.3.
Primary Diagnostic Code
- B37.3 is the specific ICD-10 code for candidiasis of the vulva and vagina, which encompasses what is commonly referred to as a vaginal yeast infection 1
Clinical Context for Coding
Vulvovaginal candidiasis affects 70-75% of women at least once during their lifetime and represents the second most common cause of vaginal infections in the United States, accounting for approximately 1.4 million outpatient visits annually 1
The diagnosis should be confirmed through microscopy (wet-mount with 10% KOH showing yeast or pseudohyphae), normal vaginal pH (≤4.5), or positive yeast culture before assigning this code 2
Additional Coding Considerations
For recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (≥4 episodes per year), the same B37.3 code applies, though documentation should specify the recurrent nature in the clinical notes 2
Complicated cases (severe symptoms, non-albicans species, immunocompromised hosts, pregnancy) also use B37.3, with additional codes for underlying conditions such as diabetes (E11.-) or HIV (B20) when applicable 1
The code B37.3 applies regardless of the causative Candida species, whether C. albicans (90% of cases) or non-albicans species 1, 3
Common Coding Pitfalls
Do not code asymptomatic Candida colonization, as 10-20% of women normally harbor Candida species without infection—only symptomatic infections warrant the B37.3 code 2
Ensure microscopic or culture confirmation before coding, as clinical symptoms alone have poor sensitivity and can lead to misdiagnosis 1
When vulvovaginal candidiasis occurs concurrently with other sexually transmitted infections (bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis), assign separate codes for each confirmed diagnosis 2, 4