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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK04.7

K04.7

Billable

Periapical abscess without sinus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K04.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of periapical abscess without sinus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K04.7 refers to a periapical abscess without sinus, which is an infection that occurs at the apex of a tooth root. This condition typically arises from untreated dental caries, trauma, or previous dental procedures that have compromised the pulp of the tooth. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise. The anatomy involved includes the tooth, surrounding alveolar bone, and periodontal tissues. Disease progression can lead to further complications, such as the formation of a dental fistula or systemic infection if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations include clinical examination, radiographic imaging to assess the extent of the abscess, and possibly pulp vitality tests. Treatment usually involves drainage of the abscess, root canal therapy, or extraction of the affected tooth, depending on the severity and extent of the infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical examination and imaging for accurate diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves various treatment options based on the severity of the abscess.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans is essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other dental conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of abscess type or failure to document the absence of a sinus.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding the patient's symptoms or treatment provided.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or incorrect code selection.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: 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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of K04.7 lies in its potential to lead to more severe dental infections if not addressed promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of dental abscesses, which can affect overall health and quality of life. Quality measures may focus on timely treatment of dental infections to prevent complications. Healthcare utilization patterns show that untreated dental issues can lead to increased emergency room visits and higher healthcare costs, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and effective management of periapical abscesses.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K04.7 lies in its potential to lead to more severe dental infections if not addressed promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of dental abscesses, which can affect overall health and quality of life. Quality measures may focus on timely treatment of dental infections to prevent complications. Healthcare utilization patterns show that untreated dental issues can lead to increased emergency room visits and higher healthcare costs, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and effective management of periapical abscesses.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying the patient's insurance coverage for dental procedures related to abscess treatment. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding, so it is essential to provide clear clinical notes and imaging results. Best practices include using precise codes, maintaining thorough records of patient interactions, and ensuring that all treatment plans are documented and justified in the patient's medical record.

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 K04.7?

K04.7 specifically covers periapical abscesses that do not have an associated sinus tract. This includes infections localized at the tooth root apex due to pulp necrosis or other dental issues.

When should K04.7 be used instead of related codes?

K04.7 should be used when there is a confirmed periapical abscess without any sinus involvement. If a sinus tract is present, K04.6 should be selected instead.

What documentation supports K04.7?

Documentation should include clinical findings such as pain assessment, imaging results showing the abscess, and treatment plans. Detailed notes on the absence of sinus involvement are also necessary.