2025 ICD-10-CM code K11.7
Disturbances of salivary secretion, including hypoptyalism (reduced saliva), ptyalism (excessive saliva), and xerostomia (dry mouth).
Medical necessity for K11.7 depends on the underlying cause and severity of the salivary dysfunction. It must significantly impact the patient's oral health, ability to speak, eat, or swallow, or contribute to other health problems.
Diagnosis and management of salivary gland disorders typically fall under the purview of dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, and primary care physicians. They are responsible for evaluating the patient's symptoms, conducting a thorough examination, and ordering appropriate diagnostic tests (such as sialometry) to determine the underlying cause of the salivary dysfunction. Treatment strategies vary depending on the specific condition and may involve medications, lifestyle modifications, or other interventions.
In simple words: This code refers to problems with the amount of saliva in your mouth, whether it's too much, too little, or causing dryness.
This code encompasses various disturbances of salivary secretion, including hypoptyalism (reduced saliva production), ptyalism (excessive saliva production), and xerostomia (dry mouth). It excludes dry mouth NOS (R68.2).
Example 1: A patient receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer experiences dry mouth as a side effect. K11.7 would be used to code the xerostomia caused by the radiation treatment. Additional codes would be used to specify the type of cancer and the radiation therapy., A patient presents with excessive saliva production (ptyalism) due to a medication side effect. K11.7 would be used to code this condition, along with a code specifying the causative medication., A patient complains of difficulty swallowing and a persistent dry mouth sensation. After examination and testing, the physician diagnoses reduced saliva production (hypoptyalism). K11.7 would be used to code this condition.
Documentation should clearly describe the nature of the salivary disturbance (e.g., dry mouth, excessive saliva, reduced saliva), the associated symptoms, any relevant medical history (including medications, radiation therapy, or other treatments), and the results of any diagnostic tests performed (such as sialometry). If the condition is caused by another underlying medical condition, that condition should also be documented and coded.
** It is crucial to distinguish between K11.7 and R68.2. K11.7 should be used when the specific type of salivary dysfunction (hypoptyalism, ptyalism, xerostomia) is documented. R68.2 should only be used when the documentation specifies "dry mouth" without further clarification.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dentistry, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Otolaryngology, Primary Care Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home