ICD-10 Coding for Xerostomia(K11.7, R68.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Xerostomia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Xerostomia
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K11.7 | Disturbances of salivary secretion | Use when xerostomia is due to a specific cause such as radiation or medication. |
|
| R68.2 | Dry mouth, unspecified | Use when dry mouth is a symptom without a specific salivary gland disorder. |
|
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 xerostomia
Essential facts and insights about Xerostomia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for xerostomia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Documented history of radiation or medication causing xerostomia
Applicable To
- Xerostomia due to known causes like radiation or medication
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sialometry showing <0.1 ml/min unstimulated flow
- History of radiation therapy
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly using K11.7 without documented etiology
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the cause of xerostomia.
R68.2 - Dry mouth, unspecified
Use when dry mouth is a symptom without a specific salivary gland disorder.
Applicable To
- Symptomatic dry mouth without identified salivary gland disorder
Excludes
- Sjögren's syndrome (M35.0)
- Dehydration (E86.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Subjective dryness without hypofunction
- Negative sialometry (>0.2 ml/min)
Coding Notes
Ensure no specific salivary gland disorder is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Personal history of irradiation
Z92.3Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Xerostomia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K11.7.
Impact
Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding rules., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Review patient history for tobacco or alcohol use, Include relevant codes
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K11.7 when xerostomia is due to a specific cause such as radiation or medication.
Impact
Using R68.2 instead of K11.7 when a specific cause is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate coders on the importance of identifying specific causes.
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 Xerostomia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Xerostomia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Xerostomia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Radiation-Induced Xerostomia
Specialty: OncologyRequired Elements
- Patient history of radiation therapy
- Sialometry results
- Symptoms of dry mouth
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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