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ICD-10 Coding for Sialadenitis(K11.2, K11.5)

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

Also known as:

Salivary gland inflammationSalivary gland infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sialadenitis

K11.2-K11.5Primary Range

Diseases of salivary glands

This range includes codes for sialadenitis and related conditions such as sialolithiasis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K11.2SialadenitisUse for acute or chronic inflammation of salivary glands without obstruction.
  • Pain, swelling, erythema in salivary gland
  • Purulent discharge
  • Fever
  • + 1 more
K11.5SialolithiasisUse when a stone is causing obstruction in the salivary gland.
  • Colicky pain post-prandially
  • Palpable stone on exam
  • Ductal dilation on imaging

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 sialadenitis

Essential facts and insights about Sialadenitis

The ICD-10 code for sialadenitis is K11.2, applicable for both acute and chronic cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sialadenitis

Sialadenitis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of purulent discharge and swelling

documentation Criteria

  • Specify gland and laterality

Applicable To

  • Acute sialadenitis
  • Chronic sialadenitis

Excludes

  • Sialolithiasis (K11.5)
  • Abscess of salivary gland (K11.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain, swelling, erythema in salivary gland
  • Purulent discharge
  • Fever
  • Elevated CRP/WBC

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing acute vs. chronic sialadenitis
  • Not documenting laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies gland involved and whether the condition is acute or chronic.

Ancillary Codes

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

Sjögren syndrome

M35.0
Use when autoimmune etiology is confirmed.

Differential Codes

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

Sialolithiasis

K11.5
Presence of calculi causing obstruction.

Abscess of salivary gland

K11.3
Confirmed abscess formation.

Sialadenitis

K11.2
Inflammation without obstruction.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sialadenitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K11.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm with imaging before coding., Include imaging results in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the duration and recurrence of symptoms.

Impact

Failure to sequence K11.5 before K11.2 when a stone causes obstruction.

Mitigation Strategy

Review coding guidelines for 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 Sialadenitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Sialadenitis

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

Acute sialadenitis with stone obstruction

Specialty: ENT

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration of symptoms
  • Gland involved and laterality
  • Presence of purulent discharge
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute right submandibular swelling and pain. Ultrasound confirms 3 mm stone in Wharton's duct.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has swollen salivary gland.
Good Documentation Example
Acute suppurative sialadenitis of right parotid gland with purulent discharge and ductal dilation on ultrasound.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the condition, including gland involved and imaging findings.

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

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