Candidal endocarditis

This code identifies an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) caused by Candida species. It is a serious fungal infection that can affect heart valves, leading to vegetations and potential embolization.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of endocarditis due to Candida infection. This typically occurs in immunocompromised patients, those with prosthetic heart valves, or individuals with indwelling catheters. Supporting documentation should include positive fungal cultures from blood or cardiac tissue, and echocardiographic findings consistent with endocarditis.

• Always confirm the causative organism is Candida to differentiate from bacterial endocarditis.
• Code any associated heart valve involvement (e.g., prosthetic valve endocarditis) as a secondary diagnosis.
• Consider sequencing this code as the principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for admission and treatment.