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ICD-10 Coding for Burning Mouth Syndrome(K14.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Burning Mouth Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

GlossodyniaOral DysesthesiaStomatodynia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Burning Mouth Syndrome

Diseases of the digestive system

Includes conditions affecting the oral cavity, which is relevant for BMS.

K14.6Primary Range

Glossodynia

Primary code for burning mouth syndrome without identifiable organic cause.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for burning mouth syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Burning Mouth Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for burning mouth syndrome is K14.6, used when no organic cause is identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for burning mouth syndrome

Glossodynia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Chronic burning sensation in the mouth for more than 3 months.

documentation Criteria

  • Normal oral mucosa and exclusion of other causes documented.

Applicable To

  • Burning mouth syndrome
  • Glossopyrosis
  • Oral burning pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Chronic intraoral burning for more than 3 months
  • Normal oral mucosa
  • Exclusion of local/systemic causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when an underlying condition is present
  • Lack of documentation for exclusion of other causes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure thorough documentation of symptom duration and exclusion of other causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dysgeusia

R43.8
Use when there is a metallic or bitter taste accompanying burning.

Dry mouth

R68.2
Use when there is subjective xerostomia without Sjögren’s or drug-induced cause.

Differential Codes

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

Oral candidiasis

B37.0
Presence of white plaques and positive fungal culture.

Geographic tongue

K14.4
Presence of characteristic geographic patterns on the tongue.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Burning Mouth Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K14.6.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes symptom duration and exclusion of other causes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials if not coded correctly., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Code the underlying condition first, then use K14.6 if applicable.

Impact

Failure to document exclusion of other causes can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of tests and evaluations performed.

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 Burning Mouth Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Burning Mouth Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Burning Mouth Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic burning mouth without lesions

Specialty: Oral Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location and duration of pain
  • Quality and intensity of burning
  • Associated symptoms
  • Exclusion of other conditions

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports mouth burning.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic bilateral tongue burning >4 months, recurring 6 hours daily. Normal oral exam, negative fungal culture, HbA1c 5.2%, B12 450 pg/mL. No response to topical antifungals.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed symptom description and exclusion of other causes, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Burning Mouth Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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