ICD-10 Code K14.0 – Glossitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K14.0 – Glossitis
What it is
Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue. Use this code when documentation identifies tongue inflammation, swelling, soreness, or a smooth, abnormal tongue surface.
Clinical signs
Common findings include tongue redness, swelling, tenderness, burning, or altered texture. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the specific cause and extent.
When to use this code
Use K14.0 when the provider documents glossitis as the diagnosis, or when the encounter is focused on inflammatory tongue findings. It may also fit when the chart describes a painful or swollen tongue and the clinician confirms glossitis. If the note only says “tongue lesion” or another oral condition, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for isolated tongue ulcers, trauma, or neoplasms unless glossitis is specifically documented. If the record names another oral diagnosis, code that condition instead.
Coding tip
Code the documented tongue inflammation, and query if the note does not clearly distinguish glossitis from another oral disorder.