The N76.0 diagnosis code is a critical component of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) system. Specifically, N76.0 is designated for Acute vaginitis, a common condition affecting women. This code is essential for medical billing, record-keeping, and public health statistics in the United States, particularly since the 2025 ICD-10-CM update which took effect on October 1, 2024.
What is ICD-10-CM Code N76.0?
N76.0 is a billable and specific code, meaning it’s precise enough for reimbursement claims and accurately represents a diagnosed condition. It falls under the broader category of “Other inflammation of vagina and vulva” (N76) within the ICD-10-CM system. Importantly, the N76.0 code is applicable only to female patients.
This diagnosis code encompasses several related terms, ensuring comprehensive coverage for acute vaginal inflammation. These applicable terms include:
- Acute vulvovaginitis: Indicating inflammation of both the vulva and vagina in an acute form.
- Vaginitis NOS (Not Otherwise Specified): Used when vaginitis is diagnosed but not further specified, and it is understood to be acute in nature.
- Vulvovaginitis NOS: Similar to vaginitis NOS, but specifying involvement of both the vulva and vagina without further detail, again implying an acute presentation.
Synonyms and Clinical Context of N76.0
To fully understand the scope of diagnosis code N76.0, it’s helpful to consider the approximate synonyms and the clinical information associated with it. These synonyms provide a broader picture of the conditions that N76.0 can represent:
- Bacterial vaginosis: While often considered a distinct condition, in some acute presentations and coding contexts, it may fall under N76.0.
- Bacterial vaginitis: A more direct synonym, highlighting the bacterial cause of vaginal inflammation.
- Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis: A less common but specific type of inflammatory vaginitis that could be coded as N76.0 if acute.
- Vulvovaginitis (inflammation of vulva and vagina): A general term for inflammation in the vulvovaginal area, which in its acute form is directly represented by N76.0.
- Vaginitis: Simple inflammation of the vagina, again, when acute, is coded as N76.0.
Clinically, acute vaginitis, represented by the N76.0 code, is characterized by an infectious process affecting the vagina. This condition is marked by:
- Pain: Discomfort in the vaginal area, ranging from mild soreness to significant pain.
- Purulent discharge: Discharge from the vagina that is thick, yellowish or greenish, and indicative of infection.
- Inflammation: The underlying process involving the vagina and potentially the vulva.
- Burning sensation: A common symptom reported by patients.
- Pruritus: Itching in the vulvovaginal area.
ICD-10-CM Code History and Related Codes
The N76.0 code for Acute vaginitis has been a part of the ICD-10-CM system since 2016 (effective October 1, 2015), marking the first year of the non-draft ICD-10-CM. Since its introduction, there have been no revisions to the code through the 2025 edition, indicating its stable and consistent use in medical coding.
Understanding the codes adjacent to N76.0 within the ICD-10-CM hierarchy can also provide further context. These include codes for:
- N76.1 Subacute and chronic vaginitis: Differentiating acute from longer-term conditions.
- N76.2 Acute vulvitis: Inflammation specifically of the vulva, when acute.
- N76.3 Subacute and chronic vulvitis: Vulvitis that is not acute.
- N76.8 Other specified inflammation of vagina and vulva: For other types of vaginitis and vulvitis that are specified but don’t fit into other categories.
Using the correct diagnosis code, such as N76.0, is crucial for accurate medical documentation and appropriate reimbursement. For claims with a service date on or after October 1, 2015, ICD-10-CM codes are mandatory, making N76.0 and other related codes essential for healthcare providers and medical coders.
By understanding the specifics of diagnosis code N76.0, healthcare professionals can ensure accurate coding and billing for patients diagnosed with acute vaginitis, contributing to better healthcare administration and data analysis.
