B45.9

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A Cryptococcus fungal infection where the specific type or location has not been clearly identified or documented.

Coding Tips

• •Query the provider to determine the primary site of infection (lung, CNS, skin, bone, or disseminated)
• •Avoid this non-specific code when more detailed clinical information is available in the medical record

Clinical Significance

Cryptococcosis, unspecified, is used when the site or extent of Cryptococcus infection is not documented. This code should trigger a provider query, as determining the specific form and site of cryptococcosis has direct clinical implications for treatment approach and prognosis. Despite being unspecified, it still maps to the high-value opportunistic infections HCC.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓At minimum, confirmed Cryptococcus infection via culture, antigen, or histopathology
• ✓Provider query documented regarding site and extent of infection
• ✓Immunocompromised status documented
• ✓Clinical symptoms and findings recorded
• ✓Treatment regimen consistent with cryptococcosis

Commonly Confused Codes