The ICD-10 code range K00-K14 covers diseases of the oral cavity and salivary glands. This includes conditions such as dental caries, diseases of pulp and periapical tissues, gingival and periodontal diseases, and diseases of oral soft tissues. It also covers other diseases and disorders of the teeth and supporting structures, salivary glands and jaw. These codes are used in a variety of clinical settings, including dentistry, oral surgery, and primary care.

Key Usage Points:

•Always code to the highest level of specificity.
•Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions.
•For diseases of the oral cavity, consider the site and the nature of the disease.
•For diseases of the salivary glands, consider the specific gland affected.
•Remember to code for any complications or manifestations.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

✓When a patient presents with a disease of the oral cavity or salivary glands.
✓When a patient has a complication related to a disease of the oral cavity or salivary glands.
✓When a patient has a disease of the oral cavity or salivary glands that is affecting another body system.
✓When a patient has a disease of the oral cavity or salivary glands that is being managed during an encounter.

When NOT to Use:

✗When a patient has a condition that is not classified as a disease of the oral cavity or salivary glands.
✗When a patient has a symptom or sign without a confirmed diagnosis.
✗When a patient has a disease of the oral cavity or salivary glands that is not the focus of the encounter.
✗When a patient has a disease of the oral cavity or salivary glands that is no longer active.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions using the ICD-10 coding manual.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation for diseases of the oral cavity and salivary glands should include a clear and specific diagnosis, the location and severity of the disease, any associated conditions or complications, and the patient's response to treatment.

Clinical Information:

•Specific diagnosis
•Location of disease
•Severity of disease
•Associated conditions or complications
•Response to treatment

Supporting Evidence:

•Clinical notes
•Laboratory results
•Imaging results
•Referral letters

Good Documentation Example:

Patient diagnosed with severe periodontitis affecting the lower right quadrant, with associated tooth loss. Responding well to treatment.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has gum disease.

Common Documentation Errors:

⚠Not documenting the specific diagnosis
⚠Not documenting the location of the disease
⚠Not documenting the severity of the disease
⚠Not documenting associated conditions or complications

Range Statistics

Total Codes

158

Billable

Complexity:

Medium

Primary Use:Clinical Documentation

Chapter:11

Coding Complexity

Medium

Complexity Rating

The coding complexity for diseases of the oral cavity and salivary glands is medium. This is due to the need for specific diagnoses, the consideration of the location and severity of the disease, the potential for associated conditions or complications, and the need to document the patient's response to treatment.

Key Factors:

▸Specificity of diagnosis
▸Location of disease
▸Severity of disease
▸Associated conditions or complications
▸Response to treatment

Specialty Focus

These codes are primarily used by dentists and oral surgeons, but may also be used by primary care physicians and other specialists who manage diseases of the oral cavity and salivary glands.

Primary Specialties:

Dentistry

60%

Oral Surgery

30%

Primary Care

10%

Clinical Scenarios:

• Patient with dental caries affecting multiple teeth.
• Patient with acute sialadenitis of the submandibular gland.
• Patient with chronic periodontitis with associated tooth loss.
• Patient with a mucocele of the lower lip.
• Patient with a dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted tooth.

Resources & References

Resources for coding diseases of the oral cavity and salivary glands include the ICD-10 coding manual, clinical guidelines, and educational materials.

Official Guidelines:

ICD-10 coding manual
American Dental Association guidelines
World Health Organization guidelines

Clinical References:

Clinical textbooks
Journal articles

Educational Materials:

Coding webinars
Coding workshops

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these codes for conditions of the oropharynx?

No, conditions of the oropharynx should be coded using the appropriate codes in the range C00-C14.