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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK08.2

K08.2

Non-billable

Atrophy of edentulous alveolar ridge

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K08.2 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of atrophy of edentulous alveolar ridge.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Atrophy of the edentulous alveolar ridge refers to the progressive loss of bone and soft tissue in the jaw where teeth are missing. This condition can significantly impact oral function, aesthetics, and the overall quality of life for patients. The alveolar ridge is the bony structure that supports the teeth, and when teeth are lost, the lack of stimulation leads to bone resorption. Clinically, patients may present with a reduced ability to wear dentures, altered facial appearance, and difficulties in mastication. The anatomy involved includes the maxilla and mandible, specifically the alveolar processes. Disease progression can vary, with factors such as duration of edentulism, age, and systemic health influencing the rate of atrophy. Diagnostic considerations include clinical examination, radiographic imaging, and assessment of the patient's dental history. Proper identification of K08.2 is crucial for treatment planning, which may involve prosthetic rehabilitation or surgical interventions to restore function and aesthetics.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of K08.2 lies in its impact on oral health and overall quality of life for edentulous patients. Population health studies indicate that individuals with atrophy of the alveolar ridge may experience higher rates of malnutrition and social isolation due to difficulties in eating and speaking. Quality measures focus on improving dental care access and outcomes for these patients, while healthcare utilization patterns show increased demand for prosthetic interventions and oral surgeries. Epidemiologically, the prevalence of this condition is rising with an aging population, highlighting the need for targeted preventive and restorative strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K08.2 lies in its impact on oral health and overall quality of life for edentulous patients. Population health studies indicate that individuals with atrophy of the alveolar ridge may experience higher rates of malnutrition and social isolation due to difficulties in eating and speaking. Quality measures focus on improving dental care access and outcomes for these patients, while healthcare utilization patterns show increased demand for prosthetic interventions and oral surgeries. Epidemiologically, the prevalence of this condition is rising with an aging population, highlighting the need for targeted preventive and restorative strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the necessity of procedures related to the restoration of function and aesthetics in edentulous patients. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for procedures performed. It is essential to follow coding best practices, ensuring that all relevant details are captured in the patient's medical record to support the claim.

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 K08.2?

K08.2 specifically covers atrophy of the edentulous alveolar ridge, which may occur due to prolonged tooth loss, periodontal disease, or systemic conditions affecting bone health. It does not cover conditions related to partial tooth loss or other dental disorders.

When should K08.2 be used instead of related codes?

K08.2 should be used when there is documented atrophy of the alveolar ridge in patients who are edentulous. It is important to differentiate it from K08.1, which pertains to partial tooth loss, as the treatment and implications differ significantly.

What documentation supports K08.2?

Documentation for K08.2 should include clinical notes detailing the patient's dental history, evidence of alveolar ridge atrophy through imaging studies, and any functional impairments related to the condition. Comprehensive treatment plans and progress notes are also essential.