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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK04.6

K04.6

Billable

Periapical abscess with sinus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K04.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of periapical abscess with sinus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K04.6 refers to a periapical abscess with sinus, which is an infection that occurs at the apex of a tooth root, typically resulting from untreated dental caries or trauma. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, often accompanied by fever or malaise. The anatomy involved includes the tooth, surrounding alveolar bone, and the sinus tract that may develop as a result of the infection. Disease progression can lead to the formation of pus, which may drain through the sinus tract into the oral cavity or skin. Diagnostic considerations include clinical examination, radiographic imaging to assess the extent of the abscess, and possibly microbiological cultures to identify the causative organism. Treatment typically involves drainage of the abscess, root canal therapy, or extraction of the affected tooth, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical examination and imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves potential surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports needed.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other dental conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other dental abscess codes.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of clinical findings and treatment.
  • 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 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 K04.6 lies in its potential to cause severe pain and complications if left untreated, impacting patient quality of life. Population health impact includes the prevalence of dental infections, which can lead to systemic health issues if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Quality measures focus on timely intervention and management of dental abscesses to prevent complications, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for dental care access and education on oral hygiene.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K04.6 lies in its potential to cause severe pain and complications if left untreated, impacting patient quality of life. Population health impact includes the prevalence of dental infections, which can lead to systemic health issues if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Quality measures focus on timely intervention and management of dental abscesses to prevent complications, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for dental care access and education on oral hygiene.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as drainage or root canal therapy. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical notes, imaging results, and treatment plans are included to support the claim and reduce the likelihood of audits.

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 K04.6?

K04.6 covers periapical abscesses that are specifically associated with a sinus tract. This includes cases where the infection has progressed to create a pathway for pus drainage, distinguishing it from other types of dental abscesses.

When should K04.6 be used instead of related codes?

K04.6 should be used when there is clear evidence of a periapical abscess with an associated sinus tract. If the abscess is present without a sinus or is located in a different anatomical area, other codes such as K04.5 should be considered.

What documentation supports K04.6?

Documentation should include clinical findings such as pain assessment, swelling, and any imaging results that show the presence of an abscess and sinus tract. Treatment notes detailing drainage procedures or root canal therapy are also essential.