Candidal esophagitis

This code represents an inflammatory condition of the esophagus caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans. It typically manifests with dysphagia, odynophagia, and retrosternal pain, often in immunocompromised individuals.

Assign this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of candidal infection specifically affecting the esophagus. This diagnosis is often established via endoscopy with biopsy showing fungal elements, or characteristic endoscopic findings in a patient with predisposing factors.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "esophagitis" and not just a general candidiasis or oral thrush.
• Consider co-morbid conditions like HIV/AIDS (B20) or other immunocompromised states, which should be coded separately.
• Distinguish from other forms of esophagitis (e.g., reflux, viral) which have different ICD-10-CM codes.