2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K02.61Dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel
ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K00-K14›K02
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Not Chronic
K02.61 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 11 through 13, 157 through 159. Coders also document this condition as caries of smooth surface of tooth. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Any dental condition including traumatic injury; Caries, periodontitis, and other preventable dental conditions; and Disorders of teeth and gingiva.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Caries of smooth surface of tooth
- Dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel
- Primary dental caries, nonproximal smooth surface origin
- Primary dental caries, proximal smooth surface origin
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Inclusion Terms
- White spot lesions [initial caries] on smooth surface of tooth
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance
Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.
smooth surface K02.61
smooth surface K02.61
White See Also: condition;
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Patient EducationClinical
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is damage to a tooth's surface, or enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Tooth decay can lead to cavities (dental caries), which are holes in your teeth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
The full article covers:
- What is tooth decay?
- What causes tooth decay?
- Who is at risk for tooth decay?
- What are the symptoms of tooth decay and cavities?
- How are tooth decay and cavities diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for tooth decay and cavities?
- Can tooth decay be prevented?
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert K02.61 to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About K02.61Overview
What is the ICD-10 code for dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel?
The ICD-10-CM code for dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel is K02.61 (sometimes written as K0261). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Is K02.61 (Dental caries on smooth surface) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does K02.61 group to?
When dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 11, 12, 13, 157, 158, 159, with relative weights from 0.7085 to 5.4541 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of K02.61?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel converts to ICD-9-CM 521.01 (dental caries - enamel) and 521.07 (dentl caries-smooth surf). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
