Plicated tongue

Plicated tongue, also known as scrotal tongue or lingua plicata, is a benign anatomical variation characterized by numerous grooves or furrows on the dorsal surface of the tongue. These folds can vary in depth and pattern, giving the tongue a wrinkled or convoluted appearance. While generally asymptomatic, food debris can sometimes accumulate in the furrows, potentially leading to irritation or halitosis.

This code is appropriate for documenting the presence of a plicated tongue identified during a clinical examination. Use this code when the provider explicitly diagnoses "plicated tongue," "scrotal tongue," or "lingua plicata." Documentation should clearly describe the characteristic grooved or folded appearance of the tongue.

• Do not confuse plicated tongue with fissured tongue of congenital origin (Q38.3), as these are mutually exclusive conditions.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "plicated" or "scrotal" to differentiate from other tongue abnormalities.
• This code is typically a secondary diagnosis unless the plicated tongue is the primary reason for the encounter (e.g., patient presenting with concerns about its appearance or associated irritation).