Halitosis

This diagnosis code signifies the presence of persistent, unpleasant breath, commonly known as bad breath. It indicates an objective finding of malodor emanating from the oral cavity or respiratory tract, which may be perceived by the patient or others.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of halitosis. This is appropriate for patients presenting with concerns about their breath, or when a clinician identifies the condition during an examination. Supporting documentation would include a physician's note explicitly stating "halitosis" or "bad breath."

• Do not code this if the bad breath is a symptom of another definitive condition (e.g., periodontal disease, sinusitis); instead, code the underlying condition.
• Consider additional codes for any identified underlying causes, such as dental caries (K02.-), gingivitis (K05.1-), or gastroesophageal reflux disease (K21.-).
• This code represents a symptom; therefore, it should be sequenced after any definitive diagnoses for which it is a manifestation, if applicable.