ICD-10 Code I86.0 – Sublingual varices (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I86.0 – Sublingual varices
What it is
Sublingual varices are enlarged, dilated veins on the underside of the tongue. They are usually a benign vascular finding and may be seen incidentally during oral examination.
Clinical signs
You may see bluish or purple, tortuous veins beneath the tongue, often more noticeable with age. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation if the appearance or laterality is unclear.
When to use this code
Use I86.0 when the provider documents sublingual varices or varicosities as the diagnosis. Code it for a confirmed oral venous varix finding, including incidental discovery during a routine exam. If the note only mentions tongue discoloration without diagnosis, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific oral lesions, trauma, or tongue masses without documented varices. If the finding is elsewhere in the mouth or another venous disorder is named, use the documented condition instead.
Coding tip
Confirm the provider specifically links the finding to the sublingual area before assigning I86.0.