BV ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn the 2025 BV ICD-10-CM code (N76.0), its billable status, clinical info, STI update, diagnosis methods, and treatment for bacterial vaginosis.

By Wynona Jugueta on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code

What ICD code is used for BV?

The primary BV ICD-10 code used to classify bacterial vaginosis is N76.0 – Acute Vaginitis, according to the ICD-10-CM system, updated for 2025. This code accurately reflects inflammation of the vagina and is considered an acceptable diagnostic code for insurance and billing purposes.

While bacterial vaginosis is not explicitly named in the code title, N76.0 remains the most widely accepted code for documenting the condition. It is synonymous with vaginitis, vulvitis, and vulvovaginitis in many coding resources. Another occasionally referenced code is N89.1 – Vaginal Dysbacteriosis, but this is less common in clinical practice.

Because BV is classified as a condition of the female pelvic and genitourinary system, its coding falls under the broader category of infectious and parasitic diseases and inflammation of the vagina. These codes are designed to identify infectious agent involvement when applicable.

Is the BV ICD code billable?

Yes, N76.0 is a billable ICD-10-CM code valid through September 30, 2025. It can be used in reimbursement claims submitted to insurance companies for diagnosing and treating bacterial vaginosis.

It's important to ensure accurate documentation, especially when BV is accompanied by other conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease, vagina and vulva ulceration, or complications involving the cervix uteri or Bartholin’s gland. While BV alone can be coded with N76.0, secondary symptoms or complications may require additional ICD-10 codes.

In cases where chronic vaginitis, subacute and chronic vulvitis, or senile atrophic vaginitis are diagnosed, alternative ICD-10-CM codes may apply, highlighting the importance of clinical clarity.

Clinical information

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacterial flora. Instead of the typical dominance of lactobacilli, harmful anaerobic bacteria proliferate. Symptoms may include:

Thin white or gray vaginal discharge
A strong fishy odor, especially after intercourse
Vaginal itching or irritation
Burning during urination

Some individuals, however, may be asymptomatic, which can delay diagnosis or recurrence management.

Cause and risk factors

BV is no longer considered just a microbial imbalance—it is now understood as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), especially among monogamous heterosexual couples. Factors increasing risk include:

New or multiple sexual partners
Unprotected sex
Use of intravaginal products or douching
Disruption of vaginal pH balance

These behaviors can introduce or worsen inflammation of the vagina, or even lead to female pelvic inflammatory conditions if left untreated.

Diagnosis

BV is commonly diagnosed using Amsel criteria, which involves:

Elevated vaginal pH (>4.5)
Presence of clue cells on microscopy
Thin discharge
Positive “whiff” or sniff test

More advanced cases may present with vagina ulceration, vulva vulvovaginal ulceration, or even acute parametritis, indicating deeper reproductive system involvement. Proper assessment rules out more serious infections like herpes simplex or pelvic cellulitis.

Treatment

The frontline treatment for bacterial vaginosis includes antibiotics such as:

Metronidazole (oral or gel)
Clindamycin (cream or oral)
Tinidazole

Current guidelines (2025) also recommend treating male partners to reduce recurrence rates, especially when BV is part of a broader female pelvic inflammatory disease pattern.

If BV is associated with chronic vulvitis abscess or ulceration of vulva, additional interventions and follow-up may be necessary.

Synonyms include:

Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginitis in pregnancy
Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy
Bacterial vaginosis postpartum
Postpartum bacterial vaginosis

Commonly asked questions

Use ICD-10 code N76.0 when a patient is diagnosed with acute vaginitis due to an imbalance of vaginal flora consistent with bacterial vaginosis. This code is appropriate when BV is diagnosed based on symptoms, microscopy, and Amsel criteria. It is also applicable if the provider documents related symptoms like vaginal discharge, itching, or odor that meet diagnostic standards.

Yes, N76.0 is both valid and billable for all patient encounters documented up to September 30, 2025. It’s recognized within the ICD-10-CM framework and falls under infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere, supporting reimbursement for appropriate treatment and evaluation. Providers should also ensure that if BV coexists with conditions like chronic vaginitis, vaginitis vulvitis and vulvovaginitis, or female genital organ complications, those are coded using additional ICD-10 codes.

Common treatments for BV include oral or vaginal metronidazole, clindamycin cream or tablets, and tinidazole, which may offer higher efficacy in some cases. Adjunct options like pH-balancing gels or probiotics are often used for chronic BV, especially when complications like vagina ulceration or Bartholin’s gland infection are present.

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