2025 ICD-10-CM code B38.0
Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection of the lungs caused by inhaling the Coccidioides fungus, primarily found in certain regions of the Americas.
Medical necessity for treatment is determined by the severity of the infection. Mild cases are typically self-limiting and do not require treatment. Severe cases with pneumonia, respiratory distress, or dissemination require antifungal therapy.
Providers diagnose acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis based on travel history to endemic areas, physical examination, and symptoms. Laboratory tests include CBC, ESR, immunoglobulin testing, blood and sputum cultures, and PCR. Imaging techniques such as chest X-ray and CT scans assess lung complications. Treatment is usually unnecessary for mild cases, as the disease is self-limiting. Antifungal drugs like fluconazole may be prescribed for severe infections.
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
- B38 CoccidioidomycosisB38.0 Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis
In simple words: Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is a lung infection caused by a fungus found in soil in some parts of the Americas. It can cause flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and spread to other parts of the body.
Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection of the lungs, abrupt in onset or having a short course, caused by inhalation of air contaminated by the soil–borne fungus Coccidioides, mainly found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and some areas of Central and South America. Patients with this condition may remain asymptomatic or experience flu-like symptoms such as weakness, fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, especially those with weakened immune systems. If the infection progresses, it may cause pneumonia, severe lung infections, and spread to other body parts through the bloodstream.
Example 1: A patient presents with flu-like symptoms after a recent trip to Arizona. Diagnostic tests confirm acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis., An immunocompromised individual develops pneumonia and respiratory distress after exposure to contaminated soil in Mexico. B38.0 is diagnosed., A patient with a history of travel to South America experiences chest pain and cough. Imaging reveals lung lesions consistent with acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.
Documentation should include travel history to endemic areas, physical examination findings, symptoms, laboratory results (CBC, ESR, immunoglobulin testing, blood and sputum cultures, PCR), and imaging findings (chest X-ray, CT scan).
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Pulmonology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Independent Clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center