Glossitis

This code represents an acute or chronic inflammation of the tongue, characterized by swelling, color changes, and/or surface alterations. It indicates a general inflammatory process affecting the tongue, without specifying a particular cause or a specific atrophic presentation.

Use this code when documentation indicates a diagnosis of inflammation of the tongue, such as "glossitis," "inflamed tongue," or "sore tongue" due to an inflammatory process. This code is appropriate when the provider has not specified an underlying cause or a distinct atrophic form.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "glossitis" or an equivalent inflammatory condition of the tongue.
• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies "atrophic glossitis," as that has a separate, more specific code.
• Look for associated symptoms like pain, swelling, or color changes of the tongue to support the diagnosis.