Geographic tongue

This code represents a benign inflammatory condition of the tongue characterized by irregular, depapillated red patches surrounded by elevated white or yellowish borders, giving the tongue a map-like appearance. These lesions can change size, shape, and location over time, often resolving spontaneously and recurring.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis or erythema migrans linguae. This diagnosis is typically made clinically based on the characteristic appearance of the tongue.

• Do not confuse with other tongue conditions like fissured tongue (529.3) or hairy tongue (529.8).
• Geographic tongue is usually asymptomatic; if symptoms like pain or burning are present, consider coding those as secondary diagnoses if clinically significant.
• This is a diagnosis code only; no specific procedure codes are typically associated with its treatment, as it is often managed symptomatically or observed.