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K11.20
ICD-10-CM
Parotitis

Find comprehensive information on parotitis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10-CM Mumps code, ICD-10-CM Sialadenitis code), diagnosis, symptoms (parotid gland swelling, pain), treatment, and complications. Learn about bacterial parotitis, viral parotitis (mumps), and other causes. This resource supports healthcare professionals in accurate diagnosis and coding for parotitis and related conditions like sialolithiasis and sialadenitis.

Also known as

Parotid Gland Inflammation
Sialadenitis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Inflammation of the parotid salivary gland, usually caused by infection or blockage.
  • Clinical Signs : Swelling, pain, tenderness in front of the ear, sometimes with fever and difficulty swallowing.
  • Common Settings : Community-acquired viral infections, mumps, bacterial infections, blocked salivary ducts.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K11.20 Coding
M75.0-M75.1

Other disorders of salivary glands

Includes various forms of parotitis, like bacterial and non-specific.

B08.8

Other viral infections

Can be used for viral parotitis not otherwise specified (NOS).

M35.1

Sjogren's syndrome

Autoimmune disease that can cause parotid gland swelling/inflammation.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the parotitis recurrent?

  • Yes

    Is it juvenile recurrent parotitis?

  • No

    Is an infectious agent specified?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Parotitis (inflammation of parotid gland)
Sialadenitis (salivary gland inflammation)
Sialolithiasis (salivary gland stone)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document laterality (left, right, bilateral)
  • Describe onset, duration, and character of pain
  • Note presence/absence of swelling, erythema, tenderness
  • Document associated symptoms (fever, malaise, trismus)
  • Record diagnostic tests (e.g., imaging, labs, biopsy)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding parotitis without specifying laterality (right, left, bilateral) can lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data reporting. Use Mumps ICD-10 codes when applicable.

  • Mumps Misdiagnosis

    Misdiagnosing mumps as non-specific parotitis or vice versa can impact public health surveillance and reimbursement. Ensure proper ICD-10 diagnosis code selection.

  • Underlying Cause Missing

    Failing to document the underlying cause of parotitis (e.g., infection, blockage, autoimmune) leads to incomplete coding and affects quality metrics and CDI efforts.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document laterality (left/right/bilateral) for accurate ICD-10 coding (mumps/parotitis).
  • Specify infectious vs. non-infectious etiology for proper CDI and compliant billing.
  • Detail symptom onset, duration, and associated findings for improved diagnostic clarity.
  • If imaging performed, correlate findings with clinical presentation in documentation.
  • For mumps, document vaccination status to support public health reporting compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Unilateral or bilateral swelling near ear? Document location.
  • Palpate for tenderness, erythema. Note associated symptoms.
  • Mumps history or exposure? Check vaccination status.
  • Consider bacterial causes if rapid onset, high fever. Order cultures if indicated.
  • Imaging (US/CT) if diagnosis unclear or complications suspected.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Parotitis reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (mumps vs. non-mumps, bacterial vs. viral) impacting payment rates.
  • Quality metrics: Parotitis cases can influence hospital-acquired infection rates if postoperative, impacting public reporting.
  • Coding: Specificity in diagnosis coding (e.g., with complication, laterality) maximizes reimbursement and accurate severity reflection.
  • Documentation: Thorough clinical documentation supporting parotitis etiology is crucial for accurate coding, justified reimbursement, and quality reporting.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code mumps as B26.9
  • Document parotitis etiology
  • Specify unilateral/bilateral
  • Check for laterality codes
  • Consider underlying cause code

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with parotitis.  Chief complaint includes unilateral or bilateral parotid gland swelling, pain, and tenderness.  Onset of symptoms was noted (date of onset).  Associated symptoms may include fever, malaise, headache, myalgia, trismus, and dry mouth (xerostomia).  Physical examination reveals palpable parotid gland enlargement, possibly with erythema and warmth.  Differential diagnosis includes bacterial parotitis, viral parotitis (mumps), sialolithiasis, Sjogren's syndrome, and salivary gland tumors.  Diagnostic workup may include serum amylase, lipase, complete blood count (CBC), mumps viral serology (IgM, IgG), and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan of the salivary glands if indicated.  Diagnosis of parotitis is established based on clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and laboratory results.  Treatment plan includes supportive care with hydration, analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen), sialogogues (e.g., lemon drops) to stimulate saliva production, and warm compresses.  For bacterial parotitis, antibiotics may be prescribed.  Patient education provided regarding hygiene measures, including oral hygiene and adequate fluid intake.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in (duration) to monitor symptom resolution and potential complications such as abscess formation or facial nerve paralysis.  ICD-10 code (specify code, e.g., Mumps M71.1) and CPT code (specify code for any procedures performed, e.g., fine needle aspiration 42400) will be documented for medical billing and coding purposes.