Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that can cause discomfort and other health issues for women. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management. In medical coding, the Diagnosis Code For Bacterial Vaginosis is essential for proper documentation and billing. This article delves into the ICD-10-CM code N76.0, which is used to classify acute vaginitis, including bacterial vaginosis. Understanding this code is vital for healthcare providers, medical coders, and anyone seeking information about vaginal health.
ICD-10-CM Code N76.0: Acute Vaginitis Explained
ICD-10-CM code N76.0 is a billable and specific code within the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system. This code became effective on October 1, 2015, and the latest 2025 edition remains current as of October 1, 2024. It is specifically used in the American ICD-10-CM version; international versions may have variations. N76.0 is designated for female patients and is used for reimbursement purposes when diagnosing acute vaginitis.
This code falls under the broader category of “Other inflammation of vagina and vulva” (N76) and is specifically for the acute form of vaginitis. It is important to note that ICD-10-CM codes are essential for standardizing diagnoses for medical records and insurance claims.
What Conditions Does N76.0 Cover?
ICD-10-CM code N76.0 is applicable to several conditions, making it a versatile code in diagnosing vaginal inflammation. The “Applicable To” section of the code specifies:
- Acute vulvovaginitis: This refers to the inflammation of both the vulva and the vagina in an acute, or sudden-onset, form.
- Vaginitis NOS (Not Otherwise Specified): When the vaginitis is acute and not specified further, N76.0 is the appropriate code.
- Vulvovaginitis NOS: Similarly, for acute vulvovaginitis that is not further specified.
Furthermore, N76.0 is closely associated with several approximate synonyms, offering a clearer picture of the conditions it represents:
- Bacterial vaginosis: This is a key synonym, directly linking N76.0 to the condition this article focuses on.
- Bacterial vaginitis in pregnancy & Postpartum bacterial vaginosis: These specify bacterial vaginosis occurring during and after pregnancy, both falling under N76.0 in their acute phases.
- Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis: Another specific type of vaginitis included under this code.
- Vaginitis & Vaginitis in pregnancy: General terms for vaginal inflammation, including when occurring during pregnancy, when in the acute phase.
- Vulvovaginitis (inflammation of vulva and vagina): Broad term encompassing inflammation of both vulva and vagina.
Clinical Relevance of N76.0
From a clinical perspective, N76.0, and thus the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and acute vaginitis, points to an infectious process affecting the vagina. This condition is characterized by:
- Pain: Discomfort in the vaginal area.
- Purulent discharge: A thick, yellowish or greenish discharge, indicative of infection.
- Inflammation of the vulva and vagina: Leading to symptoms like burning and pruritus (itching).
Understanding these clinical signs is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and code bacterial vaginosis and related acute vaginitis conditions using N76.0.
Code History and Context
ICD-10-CM code N76.0 was introduced in 2016 (effective October 1, 2015) as a new code, marking the first year of the non-draft ICD-10-CM system. Since its inception, there have been no changes to the code through the 2025 edition. This stability indicates the code’s continued relevance and accuracy in classifying acute vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis.
It is also useful to see the codes adjacent to N76.0 in the ICD-10-CM manual to understand its context within the classification system. These include codes for:
- N75: Diseases of Bartholin’s gland
- N76.1: Subacute and chronic vaginitis
- N76.2: Acute vulvitis
- N76.8: Other specified inflammation of vagina and vulva
This placement highlights that N76.0 is specifically for acute vaginitis, distinct from chronic forms or inflammations of adjacent areas.
Conclusion
In summary, ICD-10-CM code N76.0 is the designated diagnosis code for bacterial vaginosis when presenting as acute vaginitis, as well as for other forms of acute vulvovaginitis and unspecified acute vaginal inflammation. Its specific nature, billable status, and clear clinical descriptors make it an indispensable tool for medical coding, billing, and epidemiological tracking of vaginal infections in women’s health. For accurate medical documentation and healthcare management related to bacterial vaginosis and acute vaginitis, N76.0 remains the standard and appropriate diagnostic code.
