2025 ICD-10-CM code K12.0
Recurrent oral aphthae, also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis, is a common condition characterized by the repeated formation of small, painful ulcers in the mouth.
Medical necessity for treatment of recurrent oral aphthae is based on the severity of symptoms and the impact on the patient's quality of life. Factors like pain, difficulty eating or speaking, and the size and duration of the ulcers can justify medical intervention.
Diagnosis and management of this condition typically falls under the purview of dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and primary care physicians. Clinicians are responsible for accurately diagnosing recurrent oral aphthae, distinguishing them from other oral lesions, and providing appropriate management strategies to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
In simple words: Recurrent oral aphthae are commonly called canker sores or mouth ulcers. They are small, painful sores that appear inside your mouth.While they can be bothersome, they are usually harmless and heal on their own within a week or two.
Recurrent oral aphthae are recurring ulcers or sores that appear inside the mouth. They are commonly known as canker sores or mouth ulcers. This condition is characterized by the development of shallow, painful lesions on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. These lesions typically appear as round or oval ulcers with a white or yellowish center and a red border. Recurrent oral aphthae can vary in size, from a few millimeters to a centimeter or more in diameter.While the exact cause is not fully understood, factors like stress, trauma, certain foods, and immune system issues may play a role.Synonyms for this condition includeaphthous stomatitis (major) (minor),Bednar's aphthae, periadenitis mucosa necrotica recurrens, recurrent aphthous ulcer, and stomatitis herpetiformis.
Example 1: A 25-year-old female presents with a complaint of recurrent, painful sores inside her mouth. Upon examination, multiple small, round ulcers with a yellow center and red border are observed on the buccal mucosa and tongue. Based on her history and clinical presentation, a diagnosis of recurrent oral aphthae (K12.0) is made., A 40-year-old male reports a history of recurrent canker sores. He currently has a large, painful ulcer on his soft palate. Due to the size and location of the ulcer, a topical corticosteroid is prescribed to reduce inflammation and promote healing. The diagnosis is documented as K12.0., A 10-year-old child presents with painful mouth sores, making it difficult to eat.The examination reveals small ulcers consistent with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Dietary advice and over-the-counter pain relief options are provided to the parent and child. The diagnosis is coded as K12.0.
Documentation should include a detailed description of the lesions, including their size, location, appearance, and any associated symptoms, like pain or difficulty eating. Patient history should document the frequency and duration of the ulcers. If any treatments are provided, those should be clearly documented as well.
** Excludes1: cancrum oris (A69.0), cheilitis (K13.0), gangrenous stomatitis (A69.0), herpesviral [herpes simplex] gingivostomatitis (B00.2), noma (A69.0). Use additional code to identify: alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-), exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22), exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81), history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891), occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31), tobacco dependence (F17.-), tobacco use (Z72.0).As of today's date (2024-11-30), this information is current, but coding updates occur periodically. Always verify code validity with the latest resources.
- Specialties:Dentistry, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Primary Care
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home