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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK03.0

K03.0

Billable

Excessive attrition of teeth

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 K03.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of excessive attrition of teeth.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Excessive attrition of teeth, classified under ICD-10 code K03.0, refers to the abnormal wear and loss of tooth structure due to mechanical forces, often resulting from bruxism (teeth grinding), malocclusion, or improper dental hygiene. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as sensitivity to temperature, pain during chewing, and visible wear facets on the occlusal surfaces of teeth. The anatomy involved primarily includes the enamel, dentin, and pulp of the teeth, as well as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which may be affected by the underlying causes of attrition. Disease progression can lead to more severe dental issues, including pulpitis, tooth fractures, and even tooth loss if not addressed. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough dental examination, patient history regarding habits like grinding or clenching, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of wear and any associated complications. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent further deterioration and maintain oral health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires understanding of dental anatomy and potential underlying causes.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve multidisciplinary approaches including dental, orthodontic, and behavioral therapies.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed patient history and clinical findings must be documented.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to differentiate from other dental conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other dental conditions.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or lack of evidence for diagnosis.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dentistry

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Excessive attrition of teeth can significantly impact oral health, leading to increased dental visits and potential interventions. It affects a considerable portion of the population, particularly those with bruxism or malocclusion. The condition can lead to complications such as tooth sensitivity, pain, and loss of function, which may affect quality of life. Understanding the epidemiology of K03.0 is essential for developing preventive strategies and improving overall dental health outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Excessive attrition of teeth can significantly impact oral health, leading to increased dental visits and potential interventions. It affects a considerable portion of the population, particularly those with bruxism or malocclusion. The condition can lead to complications such as tooth sensitivity, pain, and loss of function, which may affect quality of life. Understanding the epidemiology of K03.0 is essential for developing preventive strategies and improving overall dental health outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the complexity of treatment, including potential referrals to specialists. Common denials often arise from insufficient documentation or misclassification of the condition. Best practices include using precise coding, maintaining thorough patient records, and ensuring that all claims are substantiated by clinical evidence.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by K03.0?

K03.0 covers excessive wear of teeth due to mechanical forces, primarily bruxism, malocclusion, and other factors leading to attrition. It does not include wear from chemical erosion or abrasion.

When should K03.0 be used instead of related codes?

K03.0 should be used when the primary issue is excessive mechanical wear of teeth, distinguishing it from K03.1 (abrasion) and K03.2 (erosion) which have different etiologies.

What documentation supports K03.0?

Documentation should include a detailed dental examination, patient history of grinding or clenching, clinical findings of tooth wear, and any imaging studies that support the diagnosis.