Acute vulvitis

This code identifies an acute inflammatory condition affecting the vulva, characterized by sudden onset of redness, swelling, pain, and itching of the external female genitalia. It represents a primary inflammation of the vulvar tissues, not secondary to another condition like vaginitis.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states "acute vulvitis" as the primary diagnosis. It is appropriate for cases of infectious or irritant-induced vulvar inflammation where the onset is recent and the condition is not chronic. Supporting documentation should detail the acute nature of the symptoms and the absence of a chronic or underlying vaginal infection.

• Differentiate from chronic vulvitis (N76.1) based on the duration and persistence of symptoms.
• Do not use if the vulvitis is secondary to a vaginal infection; instead, code the underlying vaginitis.
• Consider an additional code for the causative organism if identified and documented (e.g., bacterial, fungal).