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ICD-10 Coding for Broken Tooth(S02.5XXA, S02.5XXB)

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

Also known as:

Tooth FractureDental FractureCracked Tooth

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Broken Tooth

S02.5Primary Range

Fracture of tooth (traumatic)

This range covers all traumatic fractures of teeth, including crown and root fractures.

Cracked tooth syndrome

This code is used for non-traumatic cracks in teeth, often due to parafunctional habits.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S02.5XXAFracture of tooth (traumatic), initial encounterUse for initial encounters of traumatic tooth fractures.
  • Radiographic evidence of fracture
  • Clinical examination showing fracture line
S02.5XXBFracture of tooth (traumatic), initial encounter, openUse for initial encounters of open traumatic tooth fractures.
  • Visible pulp exposure
  • Fracture communicates with oral cavity

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for broken tooth

Essential facts and insights about Broken Tooth

The ICD-10 code for a traumatic broken tooth is S02.5XXA for initial encounters. Ensure to document the trauma mechanism and tooth number.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for broken tooth

Fracture of tooth (traumatic), initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a traumatic event leading to the fracture

Applicable To

  • Initial encounter for closed traumatic fracture

Excludes

  • Cracked tooth syndrome (K03.81)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of fracture
  • Clinical examination showing fracture line

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect 7th character usage
  • Confusion with non-traumatic conditions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure trauma mechanism is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Crown - porcelain/ceramic

D2740
Use when a crown is placed as a definitive treatment for the fracture.

Extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root

D7140
Use if the tooth requires extraction due to the fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Cracked tooth syndrome

K03.81
Use when the crack is non-traumatic and due to habits like bruxism.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Broken Tooth to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S02.5XXA.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical record, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denial

Mitigation Strategy

Always include tooth number in notes, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Document parafunctional habits to support K03.81.

Impact

Lack of detailed trauma documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all trauma details are documented in the patient's history.

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 Broken Tooth, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Broken Tooth

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

Initial encounter for traumatic tooth fracture

Specialty: General Dentistry

Required Elements

  • Trauma mechanism
  • Tooth number
  • Fracture type
  • Radiographic evidence

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a fracture of tooth #9 due to a fall. Radiographs confirm a closed fracture. S02.5XXA assigned.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Broken tooth noted.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports fall at 14:00, resulting in fracture of tooth #9. Radiographs confirm closed fracture. S02.5XXA assigned.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed context and supports the ICD-10 code selection.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Broken Tooth? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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