Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Tongue Swelling(K14.8, T78.3X, R22.0)

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

Also known as:

Lingual EdemaMacroglossia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tongue Swelling

K14.0-K14.8Primary Range

Diseases of the tongue

Covers various conditions affecting the tongue, including glossitis and other diseases leading to swelling.

Angioneurotic edema

Used for allergic reactions or medication-induced angioedema causing tongue swelling.

Localized swelling, mass and lump, head

Applicable for non-specific localized swelling of the tongue without a known underlying disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K14.8Other diseases of tongueUse when swelling is linked to a documented tongue pathology.
  • Biopsy-negative swelling
  • Chronic or recurrent swelling without systemic cause
T78.3XAngioneurotic edemaUse for allergic or medication-induced swelling.
  • Sudden onset after exposure to allergen or medication
  • Elevated tryptase levels
R22.0Localized swelling, mass and lump, headUse only if no underlying disease is identified.
  • No systemic symptoms
  • No identifiable disease process

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 tongue swelling

Essential facts and insights about Tongue Swelling

The ICD-10 code for tongue swelling varies: K14.8 for idiopathic cases, T78.3X for angioedema, and R22.0 for localized swelling.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tongue swelling

Other diseases of tongue
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy shows no abnormality and no systemic cause identified.

Applicable To

  • Idiopathic tongue swelling
  • Post-procedural edema

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy-negative swelling
  • Chronic or recurrent swelling without systemic cause

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if underlying cause is identified later.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies idiopathic nature if no cause is found.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of other specified conditions

Z87.898
Use for recurrent cases of tongue swelling.

Other specified drugs primarily affecting the cardiovascular system

Y52.8
Use when angioedema is due to ACE inhibitors.

Differential Codes

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

Glossitis

K14.0
Requires documentation of inflammation such as erythema and pain.

Hereditary angioedema

D84.1
Confirmed by low C4 and C1 esterase inhibitor levels.

Other diseases of tongue

K14.8
Use when a disease process is identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tongue Swelling to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K14.8.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about recent medication changes or exposures., Include detailed patient history in the notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K14.8 if a disease process is documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential loss of reimbursement for drug-related complications., Compliance: Failure to meet coding standards., Data Quality: Incomplete data on drug reactions.

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair T78.3X with the appropriate external cause code.

Impact

Failure to document and code drug-induced angioedema correctly.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all drug reactions are documented with specific drug names and reaction details.

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

Documentation Templates for Tongue Swelling

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

ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history of ACE inhibitor use
  • Description of swelling and associated symptoms
  • Immediate treatment provided

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has swollen tongue.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with tongue swelling 1 hour after enalapril. No urticaria. Treated with epinephrine.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause, timing, and treatment, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Tongue Swelling? 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