Top Ten Dentistry ICD-10 Codes

For a dental practitioner, having knowledge of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes is vital to the dental billing and coding process. ICD-10 codes provide standardised and universal identification for diagnoses and treatments. It is mandatory for precise claiming and reimbursement from medical aid schemes.

Here are the top ten ICD-10 codes most commonly used in SA dentistry:

1. K08.8 – Other specified disorders of teeth and supporting structures: This code covers any dental condition that does not have a specific ICD-10 code. It is important to use this code to ensure accurate billing for any unique dental conditions that may not fit into other categories.
2. K02.9 – Dental caries, unspecified: Dental caries, or cavities, are a common dental problem. This code is used to indicate the presence of dental caries when the specific type is not known.
3. K08.9 – Disorder of teeth and supporting structures, unspecified: This code is used to indicate any unspecified dental condition that affects the teeth or supporting structures.
4. K04.2 – Chronic periodontitis: Chronic periodontitis is a common gum disease that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. This code is used to indicate the presence of chronic periodontitis.
5. K02.0 – Dental caries limited to enamel: This code is used to indicate the presence of dental caries that is limited to the enamel layer of the tooth.
6. K08.3 – Disorders of pulp and periapical tissues: This code is used to indicate any disorder or condition affecting the pulp or periapical tissues of a tooth, such as pulpitis or periapical abscess.
7. K02.1 – Dental caries extending into dentine: This code is used to indicate the presence of dental caries that has progressed into the dentin layer of the tooth.
8. K08.1 – Loss of teeth due to trauma, extraction or periodontal disease: This code is used to indicate the loss of teeth due to any of these causes.
9. K05.0 – Acute gingivitis: Acute gingivitis is a common gum disease that can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. This code is used to indicate the presence of acute gingivitis.
10. K08.4 – Hereditary disturbances in tooth structure, not elsewhere classified: This code is used to indicate any hereditary or genetic conditions that affect the structure of the teeth, such as amelogenesis imperfecta or dentinogenesis imperfecta.

Understanding and correctly using these ICD-10 codes will ensure proper reimbursement for dental procedures and treatments. It’s important to stay up-to-date with any changes or updates to these codes to ensure billing and coding compliant dental claims.

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