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ICD-10 Coding for Fractured Tooth(S02.5XXA, K03.81)

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

Also known as:

Cracked ToothTooth Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fractured Tooth

S02.5Primary Range

Fracture of tooth (traumatic)

Primary code range for traumatic tooth fractures, including specific parts of the tooth.

Cracked tooth (non-traumatic)

Used for non-traumatic cracks due to factors like bruxism or aging.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S02.5XXAFracture of tooth, initial encounterUse for initial encounters of traumatic tooth fractures.
  • Documented trauma history
  • Acute symptoms such as pain on biting or mobility
  • Radiographic evidence of fracture
K03.81Cracked tooth (non-traumatic)Use for non-traumatic cracks in teeth.
  • Absence of trauma
  • Evidence of predisposing factors like bruxism or large restorations

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 fractured tooth

Essential facts and insights about Fractured Tooth

The ICD-10 code for a traumatic fractured tooth is S02.5XXA for initial encounters. For non-traumatic cracks, use K03.81.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fractured tooth

Fracture of tooth, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of trauma history and acute symptoms

coding Criteria

  • Use of seventh character for encounter type

Applicable To

  • Traumatic tooth fracture

Excludes

  • Cracked tooth (nontraumatic) (K03.81)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented trauma history
  • Acute symptoms such as pain on biting or mobility
  • Radiographic evidence of fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Missing the seventh character for encounter type
  • Incorrectly using for non-traumatic cracks

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the cause, location, and encounter type.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall on same level from slipping, tripping and stumbling

W10.8XXA
Use to describe the external cause of a traumatic fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Cracked tooth (non-traumatic)

K03.81
Use when the crack is due to non-traumatic causes like bruxism.

Fracture of tooth, initial encounter

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

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fractured Tooth to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S02.5XXA.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to vague clinical documentation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available., Ensure documentation supports the chosen code.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K03.81 for non-traumatic cracks.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied for incomplete coding., Compliance: Fails to meet ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Incomplete encounter information.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include the appropriate seventh character (e.g., A for initial encounter).

Impact

Using unspecified codes or missing encounter details.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure complete documentation and use of specific 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 Fractured Tooth, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Fractured Tooth

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

Traumatic Tooth Fracture

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of trauma
  • Clinical examination findings
  • Radiographic evidence
  • Treatment provided
  • Follow-up plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fractured tooth #8 following a fall. Clinical exam reveals mobility and pain on percussion. CBCT shows vertical root fracture. Treated with provisional crown (D2799). ICD-10: S02.5XXA, W10.8XXA.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Fractured tooth noted.
Good Documentation Example
Fractured mesio-incisal angle of tooth #8 due to fall, initial encounter.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture, its cause, and the encounter type.

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

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