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ICD-10 Coding for Aphthous Ulcer(K12.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Aphthous Ulcer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Canker SoreRecurrent Oral AphthaeAphthous Stomatitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Aphthous Ulcer

K12-K14Primary Range

Diseases of oral soft tissues

This range includes conditions affecting the oral mucosa, with K12.0 specifically for recurrent oral aphthae.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for aphthous ulcer

Essential facts and insights about Aphthous Ulcer

The ICD-10 code for aphthous ulcer is K12.0, applicable for both first-time and recurrent cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for aphthous ulcer

Recurrent oral aphthae
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented recurrent ulcers with specific lesion characteristics.

coding Criteria

  • Use K12.0 even for first-time occurrences.

documentation Criteria

  • Exclude other conditions such as herpetic stomatitis.

Applicable To

  • Recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Excludes

  • Herpetic stomatitis (B00.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • History of recurrent ulcers
  • Lesion characteristics: white/yellow with red edges
  • Location: non-keratinized mucosa

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with herpetic stomatitis
  • Lack of documentation on recurrence

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies recurrence and excludes other conditions like herpes.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Stress

Z73.1
Use when stress is documented as a contributing factor.

Vitamin B deficiency

E53.8
Use when nutritional deficiency is confirmed by lab tests.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Herpetic stomatitis

B00.2
Presence of vesicles and positive HSV PCR.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Aphthous Ulcer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K12.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation standards., Use templates for consistency.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use K12.0 for aphthous ulcers.

Impact

Using K12.1 instead of K12.0 for aphthous ulcers.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training and audits.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Aphthous Ulcer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Aphthous Ulcer

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Aphthous Ulcer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Recurrent Aphthous Ulcer Documentation

Specialty: Dentistry

Required Elements

  • Location of ulcers
  • Size and appearance
  • Pain level
  • Recurrence history
  • Associated factors

Example Documentation

Patient presents with three 3-mm aphthous ulcers on buccal mucosa, recurrent pattern x6 months.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Mouth sores present.
Good Documentation Example
Three 3-mm aphthous ulcers on buccal mucosa, recurrent pattern x6 months.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on size, location, and recurrence.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Aphthous Ulcer? Ask your questions below.

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