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ICD-10 Code K12.2: Cellulitis and abscess of mouth

K12.2 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Cellulitis and abscess of mouth in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents cellulitis and abscess of mouth in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
11Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
block
K00-K14Diseases of oral cavity and salivary glands
category
K12Stomatitis and related lesions
currentK12

Official coding notes

Inclusion terms
  • Cellulitis of mouth (floor)
  • Submandibular abscess
Excludes2 (may code together if documented)
  • abscess of salivary gland (K11.3)
  • abscess of tongue (K14.0)
  • periapical abscess (K04.6-K04.7)
  • periodontal abscess (K05.21)
  • peritonsillar abscess (J36)

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

GastroenterologistGeneral Physician

Coverage-related procedures and services

HCPCS G0151high
SERVICES PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED PHYSICAL THERAPIST IN THE HOME HEALTH OR HOSPICE SETTING, EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 29581high
APPLICATION OF MULTI-LAYER COMPRESSION SYSTEM; LEG (BELOW KNEE), INCLUDING ANKLE AND FOOT
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 29445high
APPLICATION OF RIGID TOTAL CONTACT LEG CAST
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 96105high
ASSESSMENT OF APHASIA (INCLUDES ASSESSMENT OF EXPRESSIVE AND RECEPTIVE SPEECH AND LANGUAGE FUNCTION, LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION, SPEECH PRODUCTION ABILITY, READING, SPELLING, WRITING, EG, BY BOSTON DIAGNOSTIC APHASIA EXAMINATION) WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT, PER HOUR
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 92524high
BEHAVIORAL AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VOICE AND RESONANCE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 72126high
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, CERVICAL SPINE; WITH CONTRAST MATERIAL
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
K12.2

Common synonyms

Cellulitis and abscess of mouth

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeK12.2
SystemICD10
Display nameCellulitis and abscess of mouth
ChapterDiseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
BlockDiseases of oral cavity and salivary glands

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Abscess(connective tissue) (embolic) (fistulous) (infective) (metastatic) (multiple) (pernicious) (pyogenic) (septic)Angina(attack) (cardiac) (chest) (heart) (pectoris) (syndrome) (vasomotor)Angina(attack) (cardiac) (chest) (heart) (pectoris) (syndrome) (vasomotor)Cellulitis(diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)Cellulitis(diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code K12.2 for Cellulitis and abscess of mouth | HealthAssure