Glossitis

This code represents inflammation of the tongue, which can manifest as swelling, color changes (e.g., red, pale), and a smooth or fissured surface. It often results in pain, discomfort, and difficulty with speaking, chewing, or swallowing.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of glossitis, regardless of the underlying cause. This includes cases of atrophic glossitis, geographic tongue (benign migratory glossitis), or glossitis secondary to nutritional deficiencies, infections, or irritants.

• Differentiate from other tongue disorders like hairy tongue (529.3) or hypertrophy of tongue papillae (529.4).
• Code any underlying systemic conditions or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., pernicious anemia, iron deficiency) as additional diagnoses.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "glossitis" or a related inflammatory condition of the tongue; avoid using for non-inflammatory tongue symptoms.