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ICD-10 Coding for Hypersalivation(K11.7, R68.2)

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

Also known as:

Excessive droolingSialorrhea

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypersalivation

K11.7Primary Range

Disturbances of salivary secretion

Primary range for hypersalivation when etiology is known.

Dry mouth, unspecified

Used when the cause of hypersalivation is unspecified.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K11.7Disturbances of salivary secretionUse when hypersalivation is confirmed with a known etiology.
  • Sialometry showing >0.5 mL/min unstimulated flow
  • Neurological notes confirming conditions like ALS
R68.2Dry mouth, unspecifiedUse when hypersalivation is present but the cause is unspecified.
  • Absence of identifiable cause after workup.

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 hypersalivation

Essential facts and insights about Hypersalivation

The ICD-10 code for hypersalivation is K11.7 when the cause is known. Use R68.2 if unspecified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hypersalivation

Disturbances of salivary secretion
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Sialometry confirms hypersalivation.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented etiology of hypersalivation.

Applicable To

  • Hypersalivation
  • Sialorrhea

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Sialometry showing >0.5 mL/min unstimulated flow
  • Neurological notes confirming conditions like ALS

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without linking to the underlying cause.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure underlying cause is documented and coded first if known.

Ancillary Codes

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

Parkinson's disease

G20
Use as primary code when hypersalivation is due to Parkinson's.

Differential Codes

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

Dry mouth, unspecified

R68.2
Use R68.2 when the cause of hypersalivation is unspecified.

Disturbances of salivary secretion

K11.7
Use K11.7 when the cause of hypersalivation is known.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypersalivation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K11.7.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific clinical terms., Document frequency and impact of symptoms.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment may affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the underlying cause first if known.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of primary and secondary codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure primary condition is coded first.

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

Documentation Templates for Hypersalivation

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

Neurological condition with hypersalivation

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Etiology
  • Symptom severity
  • Diagnostic evidence
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient with Parkinson's disease (G20) presents with severe drooling occurring 10+ times daily, requiring frequent clothing changes. Sialometry confirms hypersalivation (0.6 mL/min unstimulated flow).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has excessive saliva.
Good Documentation Example
72yo with ALS (G12.21) presents with refractory sialorrhea (10+ drooling episodes/day). Sialometry: 0.7 mL/min unstimulated flow. Interferes with speech and nutrition.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed clinical context and diagnostic evidence.

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

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