Dentofacial anomalies [including malocclusion] and other disorders of jaw
ICD-10 Codes (20)
M27M27.0M27.1M27.2M27.3M27.4M27.40M27.49M27.5M27.51M27.52M27.53M27.59M27.6M27.61M27.62M27.63M27.69M27.8M27.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for M26-M27 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range M26-M27 covers dentofacial anomalies, including malocclusion, and other disorders of the jaw. These codes are used to document diagnoses related to structural abnormalities of the jaw and teeth, and conditions that affect the alignment and function of the jaw. This range is comprehensive, encompassing everything from congenital anomalies to acquired disorders, and is widely used in dentistry, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery.
Key Usage Points:
- •M26 codes are used for dentofacial functional abnormalities and specific anomalies of jaw size.
- •M27 codes cover other diseases of the jaws, including inflammatory conditions and cysts.
- •M26.2 codes are used for malocclusion, specifying the type and severity.
- •M26.6 is used for temporomandibular joint disorders.
- •M27.8 and M27.9 are catch-all codes for other and unspecified diseases of the jaws.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with jaw pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder.
- ✓When a patient has a diagnosed malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment.
- ✓When a patient has a jaw cyst that needs surgical intervention.
- ✓When a patient has a congenital jaw anomaly.
- ✓When a patient has an inflammatory condition of the jaw.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the primary diagnosis is a dental condition, not a jaw disorder.
- ✗When the patient's condition is better described by another code range.
- ✗When the patient's jaw disorder is a secondary condition, not the primary reason for the visit.
- ✗When the patient's condition is a symptom, not a diagnosed disorder.
- ✗When the patient's condition is due to trauma or injury, not a disease or disorder.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions by cross-referencing the patient's clinical documentation and the ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for M26-M27 codes should clearly state the specific diagnosis, the severity of the condition, and any related complications or comorbidities. The type and extent of any functional impairment should also be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Severity of condition
- •Functional impairment
- •Related complications
- •Comorbid conditions
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical examination findings
- •Imaging results
- •Orthodontic assessment
- •Surgical reports
- •Patient symptom reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with severe malocclusion due to mandibular prognathism. Orthodontic assessment confirms need for corrective surgery.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has jaw pain.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type and severity of the condition
- ⚠Not documenting related complications or comorbidities
- ⚠Not providing evidence of functional impairment
- ⚠Not including supporting documentation
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of M26-M27 coding is medium due to the need for specificity in diagnosis and the potential for complications and comorbidities. The severity of the condition and the extent of functional impairment also affect the complexity.
Key Factors:
- ▸Specificity of diagnosis
- ▸Severity of condition
- ▸Presence of complications
- ▸Comorbid conditions
- ▸Functional impairment
Specialty Focus
M26-M27 codes are primarily used in dentistry, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery. They are essential for documenting the diagnosis and treatment of jaw disorders and dentofacial anomalies.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with severe underbite requiring orthodontic treatment.
- • A patient with a jaw cyst requiring surgical removal.
- • A patient with temporomandibular joint disorder causing chronic pain.
- • A patient with a congenital anomaly of the jaw affecting speech and eating.
- • A patient with an inflammatory condition of the jaw due to infection.
Resources & References
Resources for M26-M27 coding include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources for dentistry and maxillofacial surgery.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Dental Association's CDT Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature
- World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases
Clinical References:
- American Association of Orthodontists' Clinical Practice Guidelines
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons' Clinical Resources
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association's ICD-10 Training
- American Academy of Professional Coders' ICD-10 Coding Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can M26-M27 codes be used for conditions resulting from trauma or injury?
No, conditions resulting from trauma or injury are covered by other code ranges, such as S02 for fractures of the skull and facial bones.