B37.1

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A yeast infection of the lungs caused by Candida fungus, typically occurring in people with severely weakened immune systems. It can cause cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Coding Tips

• •This is a serious infection usually associated with immunocompromised patients; code any underlying immunodeficiency conditions
• •Document whether this is a primary infection or a recurrent/chronic infection, as this affects treatment approach

Clinical Significance

Pulmonary candidiasis is a serious deep fungal infection of the lungs caused by Candida species, occurring almost exclusively in severely immunocompromised patients. It carries high mortality and signals profound immune dysfunction, requiring aggressive systemic antifungal therapy and investigation of the underlying immunodeficiency.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Candida species confirmed from respiratory specimen (bronchoalveolar lavage, protected brush, or lung biopsy — NOT sputum alone, as Candida in sputum is usually colonization)
• ✓Chest imaging showing pulmonary infiltrates consistent with fungal pneumonia
• ✓Underlying immunocompromised condition documented (neutropenia, HIV, transplant, prolonged ICU stay)
• ✓Species identification if available (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, etc.) for antifungal susceptibility
• ✓Antifungal treatment regimen: echinocandin, amphotericin B, or azole therapy

Commonly Confused Codes