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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK05.20

K05.20

Billable

Aggressive periodontitis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K05.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of aggressive periodontitis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Aggressive periodontitis, unspecified, is a severe form of periodontal disease characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. It typically affects adolescents and young adults, although it can occur at any age. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as swollen and bleeding gums, deep periodontal pockets, and mobility of teeth. The disease primarily involves the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. The progression of aggressive periodontitis can be rapid, leading to tooth loss if not treated promptly. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, radiographic evaluation to assess bone loss, and microbiological testing to identify specific pathogens associated with the disease. The diagnosis is often made based on clinical findings and the exclusion of other forms of periodontal disease. Early intervention is crucial to manage the condition effectively and prevent further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires thorough clinical evaluation and understanding of periodontal disease.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves various treatment modalities including scaling, root planing, and possibly surgical interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of clinical findings and treatment plans is essential.
  • Coding specificity: While K05.20 is specific to aggressive periodontitis, distinguishing it from other periodontal diseases can be challenging.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of aggressive periodontitis as chronic periodontitis.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes that do not support the diagnosis.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity in documentation.

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

Periodontology

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

Aggressive periodontitis has significant clinical implications, as it can lead to early tooth loss and impact overall health. The condition is associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, highlighting its importance in population health. Quality measures in periodontal care focus on early diagnosis and effective management to reduce healthcare utilization and improve patient outcomes. Epidemiologically, aggressive periodontitis is more prevalent in certain demographics, necessitating targeted public health interventions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Aggressive periodontitis has significant clinical implications, as it can lead to early tooth loss and impact overall health. The condition is associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, highlighting its importance in population health. Quality measures in periodontal care focus on early diagnosis and effective management to reduce healthcare utilization and improve patient outcomes. Epidemiologically, aggressive periodontitis is more prevalent in certain demographics, necessitating targeted public health interventions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying patient eligibility and understanding payer-specific guidelines for periodontal treatments. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or misclassification of the condition. Best practices include using precise coding, maintaining thorough records, and ensuring that treatment plans align with the documented diagnosis.

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 K05.20?

K05.20 covers unspecified aggressive periodontitis, which may include cases that do not fit the criteria for localized or generalized forms. It is characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction without a specific classification.

When should K05.20 be used instead of related codes?

K05.20 should be used when the aggressive nature of the periodontitis is evident but does not fit the criteria for localized or generalized forms. It is essential to document the clinical findings that support this diagnosis.

What documentation supports K05.20?

Documentation should include a comprehensive periodontal examination, clinical findings such as pocket depths and attachment levels, radiographic evidence of bone loss, and any microbiological testing results that indicate aggressive periodontitis.