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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK06.021

K06.021

Billable

Generalized gingival recession, minimal

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K06.021 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of generalized gingival recession, minimal.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Generalized gingival recession, minimal, refers to the condition where there is a slight loss of gum tissue surrounding the teeth, leading to exposure of the tooth roots. This condition is often characterized by the migration of the gingival margin apically, which can be caused by factors such as periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, or anatomical predispositions. Clinically, patients may present with sensitivity to temperature changes and aesthetic concerns due to the visible tooth roots. The anatomy involved includes the gingiva, which is the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth, and the underlying alveolar bone. Disease progression can vary; if left untreated, minimal gingival recession can progress to more severe forms, potentially leading to periodontal disease and tooth mobility. Diagnostic considerations include clinical examination, periodontal probing, and possibly radiographic evaluation to assess the extent of recession and any associated bone loss.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and understanding of periodontal health.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve non-surgical interventions such as scaling and root planing or surgical options like grafting.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed records of clinical findings and treatment plans are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to differentiate from other forms of gingival recession.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of the severity of recession.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of clinical findings or treatment rationale.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis or treatment provided.

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

The clinical significance of K06.021 lies in its potential to affect oral health and overall quality of life. Minimal gingival recession can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and aesthetic concerns, impacting patient satisfaction and self-esteem. From a population health perspective, understanding the prevalence of gingival recession can inform preventive strategies and educational efforts in oral hygiene. Quality measures may include monitoring the incidence of gingival recession and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing its progression.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K06.021 lies in its potential to affect oral health and overall quality of life. Minimal gingival recession can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and aesthetic concerns, impacting patient satisfaction and self-esteem. From a population health perspective, understanding the prevalence of gingival recession can inform preventive strategies and educational efforts in oral hygiene. Quality measures may include monitoring the incidence of gingival recession and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing its progression.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying the patient's insurance coverage for periodontal treatments, as some plans may have specific criteria for coverage. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include thorough documentation of clinical findings, treatment rationale, and follow-up care to support the billing process and minimize audit risks.

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 K06.021?

K06.021 specifically covers generalized gingival recession that is minimal in nature, indicating slight gum tissue loss without significant periodontal involvement. It is important to differentiate this from more severe forms of recession which may require different coding.

When should K06.021 be used instead of related codes?

K06.021 should be used when there is evidence of minimal generalized gingival recession. If the recession is localized or more severe, other codes such as K06.022 or K06.023 should be considered.

What documentation supports K06.021?

Documentation should include clinical examination findings, periodontal probing depths, photographic evidence of gingival recession, and treatment plans that outline the management of the condition.