Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Sjogren's Syndrome(M35.0, M35.01)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Sjogren's Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Sicca SyndromeSjögren's Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sjogren's Syndrome

M35.0-M35.09Primary Range

Sjögren syndrome and its specific manifestations

This range includes all codes related to Sjögren's syndrome, specifying organ involvement and associated conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M35.0Sjögren syndromeUse when Sjögren's syndrome is diagnosed but no specific organ involvement is documented.
  • Positive anti-SSA/SSB antibodies
  • Labial salivary gland biopsy with focus score ≥1
M35.01Sjögren syndrome with keratoconjunctivitisUse when Sjögren's syndrome is confirmed with keratoconjunctivitis.
  • Schirmer's test ≤5 mm/5 min
  • Ocular staining score ≥5

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 Sjogren's syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Sjogren's Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for Sjogren's syndrome is M35.0, with specific subcodes for organ involvement like M35.01 for keratoconjunctivitis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sjogren's syndrome

Sjögren syndrome
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome without specific organ involvement.

Applicable To

  • Sjögren's syndrome without specific organ involvement

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive anti-SSA/SSB antibodies
  • Labial salivary gland biopsy with focus score ≥1

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if organ involvement is not specified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document specific organ involvement to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of cardiac pacemaker

Z95.0
Use if Sjögren’s-related autonomic dysfunction necessitates device implantation.

Differential Codes

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

Dry mouth, unspecified

R68.2
Use R68.2 if Sjögren's syndrome is ruled out.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sjogren's Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M35.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with updated coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use updated terminology., Educate staff on coding changes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific organ involvement and use the appropriate subcode.

Impact

Using M35.00 without specifying organ involvement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific organ involvement.

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 Sjogren's Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Sjogren's Syndrome

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

Sjogren's with keratoconjunctivitis

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Ocular staining score
  • Schirmer's test results
  • Anti-SSA antibody status

Example Documentation

Assessment: Sjögren’s syndrome (M35.01) with keratoconjunctivitis. Findings: Ocular staining score 6/12, Schirmer’s 3mm/5min OU. Plan: Lifitegrast BID; punctal plugs.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Dry eyes; likely Sjögren’s.
Good Documentation Example
Sjögren’s syndrome with keratoconjunctivitis (M35.01), confirmed by positive SSA and Schirmer’s 2mm/5min.
Explanation
The good example specifies the condition and provides clinical validation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Sjogren's Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more