ICD-10 Coding for Swollen Tongue(K14.8, R22.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Swollen Tongue. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Swollen Tongue
K14.0-K14.8Primary Range
Diseases of the tongue
Covers various conditions affecting the tongue, including glossitis and other diseases.
Localized swelling, mass and lump, head
Used for non-specific localized swelling of the head, including the tongue, when no specific disease is identified.
Other adverse food reactions, not elsewhere classified
Used for allergic reactions causing tongue swelling.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K14.8 | Other diseases of tongue | Use when tongue swelling is idiopathic or due to specified tongue pathology. |
|
| R22.0 | Localized swelling, mass and lump, head | Use for acute allergic or mechanical swelling without confirmed etiology. |
|
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 swollen tongue
Essential facts and insights about Swollen Tongue
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for swollen tongue
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Biopsy-negative for malignancy
coding Criteria
- No specific inflammatory cause identified
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy-negative swelling
- Acquired hypertrophy
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly using for inflammatory causes like glossitis.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the cause of swelling.
R22.0 - Localized swelling, mass and lump, head
Use for acute allergic or mechanical swelling without confirmed etiology.
Applicable To
- Localized swelling of the head
Excludes
- Specific diseases of the tongue (K14.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Rapid-onset edema
- No specific tongue disease code applies
Coding Notes
Sequence after the manifestation code for allergic reactions.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Swollen Tongue to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K14.8.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incomplete clinical documentation., Regulatory: Could result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for allergy-related treatments.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all relevant allergy codes are included., Review patient history for allergic reactions.
Impact
Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignments by capturing more precise diagnoses., Compliance: Could lead to audits if documentation does not support the code., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of healthcare data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K14.8 for specified tongue pathology.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of the cause and specifics of tongue swelling.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of clinical findings and test results.
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 Swollen Tongue, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Swollen Tongue
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Swollen Tongue. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Note (Allergic Angioedema)
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Laboratory results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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