Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Chipped Tooth(K03.81, S02.51XA)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chipped Tooth. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cracked ToothFractured ToothTooth Chip

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chipped Tooth

K03.81Primary Range

Cracked tooth

Used for non-traumatic cracked teeth, such as those caused by bruxism or other non-traumatic factors.

Fracture of tooth (traumatic)

Used for traumatic fractures of teeth, including crown and root fractures.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K03.81Cracked toothUse for non-traumatic cracked teeth, such as those due to bruxism.
  • Visible crack line under transillumination
  • Patient history of non-traumatic cause
S02.51XAFracture of crown of tooth, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of traumatic crown fractures.
  • Radiographic evidence of fracture
  • Patient history of trauma

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chipped tooth

Essential facts and insights about Chipped Tooth

The ICD-10 code for a non-traumatic chipped tooth is K03.81, while traumatic fractures are coded under the S02.5 series.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chipped tooth

Cracked tooth
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Non-traumatic cause with visible crack

Applicable To

  • Cracked crown

Excludes

  • Traumatic fractures (S02.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Visible crack line under transillumination
  • Patient history of non-traumatic cause

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for traumatic fractures

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies non-traumatic cause.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Struck by baseball bat, initial encounter

W21.0XXA
Use to specify the external cause of injury.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Fracture of tooth (traumatic)

S02.5
Use when the fracture is due to trauma.

Cracked tooth

K03.81
Use when the crack is non-traumatic.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chipped Tooth to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K03.81.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed clinical notes., Include imaging results in the documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement loss., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use S02.5 series for traumatic fractures and ensure documentation of trauma.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of traumatic events leading to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of the incident and use of appropriate external cause codes.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Chipped Tooth, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chipped Tooth

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chipped Tooth. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency visit for chipped tooth

Specialty: Dentistry

Required Elements

  • Patient history of the incident
  • Clinical findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis and treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient reports biting on hard candy at 1500 today, immediate sharp pain URQ. #3 MOD composite with fractured disto-occlusal cusp. Explorer catches at DEJ. Cold test: Prolonged response. CBCT shows fracture confined to coronal third (no pulpal involvement). Diagnosis: S02.513A (fracture of crown, mandibular tooth). Plan: Immediate composite restoration (D2950).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Tooth #8 chipped.
Good Documentation Example
Fractured mesio-incisal edge #8 (S02.511D) from fall 2 weeks prior (W00.0XXD). Cold sensitivity present. Periapical X-ray shows fracture confined to enamel/dentin without pulpal involvement.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed information about the cause, location, and extent of the fracture, supporting accurate coding and billing.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chipped Tooth? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more