Mouth Sore ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Mouth Sores?

Specific ICD-10-CM codes classify mouth sores, oral ulcers, or stomatitis. Here are ten commonly used codes for Mouth sores, along with brief clinical descriptions:

K12.0 - Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: Used for recurrent mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, without other specified causes.

K12.1 - Other forms of stomatitis: Applied when there are mouth sores due to other causes not classified elsewhere.

K12.2 - Cellulitis and abscess of mouth: Utilized for mouth sores associated with cellulitis or abscess formation.

‍K12.3 - Oral mucositis (ulcerative): For ulcerative oral mucositis, it is often associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

K12.8 - Other specified diseases of the mouth: Used for mouth sores related to specific diseases or conditions not covered by other codes.

K12.9 - Disease of the mouth, unspecified: Applied when the cause of mouth sores is unspecified or unknown.

B07.9 - Viral warts, unspecified: This code may apply if viral warts cause mouth sores.

K05.1 - Chronic gingivitis: Used when mouth sores are a symptom of chronic gingivitis.

K11.1 - Hypertrophy of salivary glands: This code can be applied if mouth sores result from hypertrophy of salivary glands.

K12.30 - Recurrent oral aphthae, unspecified: For recurrent, unspecified mouth ulcers without other specified causes.

Which Mouth Sore ICD Codes are Billable?

The billable status of the mentioned ICD-10 codes for Mouth Sores varies:

K12.0 - Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: Yes, billable. Medical expenses related to the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis can be claimed.

K12.1 - Other forms of stomatitis: Yes, billable. Mouth sores due to causes not classified elsewhere are eligible for reimbursement.

K12.2 - Cellulitis and abscess of mouth: Yes, billable. Expenses associated with mouth sores linked to cellulitis or abscess formation can be claimed.

K12.3 - Oral mucositis (ulcerative): Yes, billable. This code covers ulcerative oral mucositis, often associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

K12.8 - Other specified diseases of the mouth: Yes, billable. Mouth sores related to specific diseases or conditions not covered by other codes can be reimbursed.

K12.9 - Disease of the mouth, unspecified: Yes, billable. Expenses for diagnosing and treating mouth sores with an unspecified or unknown cause can be claimed.

B07.9 - Viral wart, unspecified: Yes, billable. If viral warts cause mouth sores, this code may be used for reimbursement.

K05.1 - Chronic gingivitis: Yes, billable. Mouth sores as a symptom of chronic gingivitis can be claimed.

K11.1 - Hypertrophy of salivary glands: Yes, billable. Expenses for treating mouth sores resulting from salivary gland hypertrophy can be reimbursed.

K12.30 - Recurrent oral aphthae, unspecified: Yes, billable. Medical expenses related to diagnosing and treating recurrent, unspecified mouth ulcers can be claimed.

Clinical Information

• A mouth sore, or oral ulcer, is a painful lesion that can occur inside the mouth on the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, or palate.
• Common causes of mouth sores include trauma (e.g., biting, dental work), viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex), and aphthous ulcers (canker sores).
• Assessment involves examining the sore's location, size, appearance, and duration, along with patient history.
• Sometimes, diagnostic tests, such as viral cultures or biopsies, may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
• Treatment options vary depending on the cause and may include topical medications, oral rinses, or antiviral drugs.
• Pain management is an essential aspect of care, often achieved with topical anesthetics or over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Patients should be educated on oral hygiene and encouraged to avoid irritants like tobacco and spicy foods.
• Follow-up is essential to monitor healing and identify any recurrence or persistent sores.
• Healthcare practitioners should consider underlying systemic conditions in cases of recurrent or atypical mouth sores.
• Referral to specialists, such as oral surgeons or dermatologists, may be necessary for complex or refractory cases.

Synonyms Include

• Oral Ulcer
• Stomatitis
• Canker Sore
• Aphthous Ulcer
• Mouth Lesion