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ICD-10 Coding for Parotitis(K11.3, K11.21, B26.0)

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

Also known as:

Parotid Gland InflammationSialadenitis

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Parotitis

K11.2-K11.3Primary Range

Diseases of salivary glands

This range includes codes for various types of parotitis, including acute, chronic, and recurrent forms.

B26.0

Mumps with parotitis

This code is used when parotitis is due to mumps, a viral infection.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K11.3Unspecified parotitisUse when parotitis is diagnosed but the specific cause is not identified.
  • Clinical examination showing parotid gland swelling
  • No specific etiology identified
K11.21Acute sialoadenitisUse when parotitis is acute and bacterial in nature.
  • Positive bacterial culture
  • Elevated white blood cell count
B26.0Mumps with parotitisUse when parotitis is due to mumps virus.
  • Positive mumps serology
  • Clinical signs of mumps infection

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 parotitis

Essential facts and insights about Parotitis

The ICD-10 code for unspecified parotitis is K11.3. For acute bacterial parotitis, use K11.21, and for mumps-related parotitis, use B26.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for parotitis

K11.3
Unspecified parotitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Parotid swelling without identified cause

Applicable To

  • General parotitis without specified cause

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical examination showing parotid gland swelling
  • No specific etiology identified

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if specific cause is known but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the lack of specific etiology.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.6
Use to specify the bacterial organism causing the parotitis.

Differential Codes

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

Acute sialoadenitis

K11.21
Use K11.21 if the parotitis is acute and bacterial in nature.

Unspecified parotitis

K11.3
Use K11.3 if no specific cause is identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Parotitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K11.3.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left, right, or bilateral in documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like K11.21 for bacterial or B26.0 for mumps

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation supports code choice

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

Documentation Templates for Parotitis

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

Acute bacterial parotitis

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory and imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has swollen parotid gland.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with acute swelling of the left parotid gland, purulent discharge noted. Ultrasound confirms sialadenitis. Culture positive for Staphylococcus aureus.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the condition, including imaging and culture results, which support accurate coding.

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

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