ICD-10 Coding for Glossitis(K14.0, K14.1, K14.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Glossitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Glossitis
K14.0-K14.4Primary Range
Diseases of tongue
This range includes various forms of glossitis and related tongue conditions.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K14.0 | Glossitis | Use for nonspecific tongue inflammation without specific underlying cause. |
|
| K14.1 | Geographic tongue | Use when tongue shows migratory erythema with white borders. |
|
| K14.2 | Median rhomboid glossitis | Use when biopsy confirms median rhomboid glossitis. |
|
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 glossitis
Essential facts and insights about Glossitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for glossitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of tongue inflammation without specific pattern.
Applicable To
- Abscess of tongue
Excludes
- Atrophic glossitis (K14.4)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CRP >3 mg/L
- Biopsy showing inflammation
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with other tongue conditions like geographic tongue.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies type of glossitis and any underlying causes.
K14.1 - Geographic tongue
Use when tongue shows migratory erythema with white borders.
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Migratory erythema with white borders
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies migratory pattern.
K14.2 - Median rhomboid glossitis
Use when biopsy confirms median rhomboid glossitis.
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy showing epithelial hyperplasia without dysplasia
Coding Notes
Biopsy confirmation is crucial for accurate coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Vitamin B deficiency
E53.8Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Glossitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K14.0.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Increases audit risk., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific descriptors for tongue appearance., Include relevant lab results.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Potential audit trigger., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K14.1 for geographic tongue with migratory erythema.
Impact
Failure to code underlying conditions first.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.
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 Glossitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Glossitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Glossitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Glossitis due to nutritional deficiency
Specialty: Primary CareRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Lab results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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