Dysphagia ICD 10: R13.10
Dysphagia ICD 10 is the code used by Speech-Language Pathologists when working with adults diagnosed with Dysphagia. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) describes Dysphagia as a “swallowing disorder involving the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, or gastroesophageal junction.”
Dysphagia can affect a client’s quality of life and may also cause serious health problems. Swallowing disorders can lead to medical conditions such as aspiration pneumonia, choking, malnutrition, dehydration, and poor overall health.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play an important role as part of an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals treating clients with Dysphagia. SLPs identify the signs and symptoms of Dysphagia through different assessments. They also provide treatment that may include exercises designed to improve the strength and coordination of the oral-pharyngeal muscles needed for swallowing.
SLPs who work with clients with Dysphagia may also recommend changes to the client’s diet. These changes can include modifying the consistency of food and thickening liquids to make swallowing safer and easier.
Dysphagia is common in the U.S. population, with about 1 in 25 adults experiencing a swallowing problem each year. SLPs need to understand the disorder and know how to properly diagnose it.
Having a good understanding of Dysphagia can also help Speech-Language Pathologists follow Medicaid and ASHA guidelines when documenting a Dysphagia ICD-10 code. The code should be reported with the highest level of specificity appropriate for the client.
Here’s what you need to know about the Dysphagia ICD 10 code, the symptoms of Dysphagia, and the recommended resources that can help guide your treatment.
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SLPs are required to use ICD-10 codes when diagnosing clients and charging procedures. To stay compliant with HIPAA regulations and for payment by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies, therapists must use the most accurate, specific ICD-10 codes.
R13.1 is the Dysphagia ICD 10 code to use when diagnosing a client with this condition.
Therapists can use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) ICD-10 lookup tool to view some of the specifications surrounding when to use the Dysphagia ICD 10 code for a client who has swallowing difficulty.
According to the 2022 list of ICD-10 CM Diagnosis Codes related to Speech, Language, and Swallowing Disorders by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), R13.1 should be used as the Dysphagia ICD 10 code for this diagnosis. This excludes Dysphagia following cerebrovascular disease (I69. with final characters -91 should be used in that case).
The code for Dysarthria falls under the area of “Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen” (R10-R19).
Here are some of the specific codes that fall under the R13.1 Dysphagia code:
| Code | Condition |
|---|---|
| R13.10 Dysphagia | Unspecified; Difficulty in swallowing NOS |
| R13.11 Dysphagia | Oral phase |
| R13.12 Dysphagia | Oropharyngeal phase |
| R13.13 Dysphagia | Pharyngeal phase |
| R13.14 Dysphagia | Pharyngoesophageal phase |
| R13.19 Other Dysphagia | Cervical Dysphagia, Neurogenic Dysphagia |
When assigning the R13.1 diagnosis for Dysphagia ICD 10, SLPs should understand the signs and symptoms associated with this swallowing disorder.
What are the Symptoms of Dysphagia?
The Mayo Clinic reports that “Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing – taking more time and effort to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Dysphagia can be painful. In some cases, swallowing is impossible.”
Common Causes of Dysphagia include:
- Damage to the central nervous system or brain, such as stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and developmental disabilities.
- Disorders affecting the head and neck, such as cancer (esophageal or oral), surgery, trauma, a history of intubation or tracheostomy, or poor dentition.
- Other factors can include pulmonary diseases and side effects from certain medications.
- Coughing
- Choking or inability to swallow
- Weight loss
- Drooling
- Hoarse vocal quality
- Difficulty managing saliva/drooling
- Painful swallowing
A person does not need to have all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with Dysphagia. Clients may experience any combination of these signs and symptoms. The severity of a client’s Dysphagia can range from mild to severe.
Dysphagia can be diagnosed at any age. However, the disorder is more commonly seen in adults than in children.
In the pediatric population, Dysphagia may occur in children with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and genetic disorders, as well as children who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or brain tumor.
SLPs working with adults may see signs of Dysphagia in individuals who have experienced a stroke, TBI, or a progressive neurological disease such as Parkinson’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Muscular Dystrophy.
Dysarthria can occur along with speech and language disorders. For example, a child may have both a mixed receptive-expressive language disorder and Dysphagia. An adult who has experienced a Cerebrovascular Incident may have Aphasia as well as Dysphagia.
SLPs should also review the CDC’s changes for 2022 regarding swallowing disorders, including the new ICD-10 codes for Pediatric Feeding Difficulties, which are different from the Dysphagia ICD 10 code. SLPs can learn more about these changes through ASHA’s resources.
Prevalence of Dysphagia
According to ASHA, Dysphagia may occur in 22% of adults over 50 years old.
There are several estimates of the prevalence of Dysphagia associated with common neurological diagnoses:
- 29% – 64% of stroke patients
- Up to 90% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease or ALS
- 13% to 57% of those with Dementia
When Not to Use R13.1 for the Dysphagia ICD 10 Code
SLPs are advised to use the appropriate diagnosis code for children who have a Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) rather than automatically using R13.1 as the Dysphagia ICD 10 code.
Therapists should follow the sequelae of Dysphagia and select the most specific and accurate code, such as for Dysphagia:
- Following cerebral infarction (I69.391)
- Following subarachnoid hemorrhage (I69.091)
- Following specified disease NEC (I69.891)
- Neurogenic (R13.19)
And several others.
SLPs should refer to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) ICD-10 lookup tool each year to make sure they are using the most accurate and up-to-date ICD Code.
The Dysphagia ICD 10 code can be used for a client along with codes that identify language disorders, such as F80.1 Expressive Language Delay or F80.2 Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder.
Assessment and Treatment for Individuals with Dysphagia
An assessment for a client who is suspected of having Dysphagia may include:
- Oral motor examination
- Case history, which involves collecting information through an interview with the client and/or family, asking about symptoms, reviewing the medical chart/history, and working with other professionals involved in the client’s treatment.
- Non-instrumental assessment, which may include checking secretion management, observing and analyzing swallowing patterns, and assessing vocal quality.
- Instrumental assessment, such as a video swallow study.
When providing treatment for a client with Dysphagia, the SLP may include:
- Modifications to diet consistency
- Compensatory strategies/modifications that the client is taught
- Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ICD-10 Code for Dysphagia?
The primary ICD-10 code family for dysphagia is R13.1, with more specific subcodes such as R13.11–R13.14 and R13.19 used to identify the phase or type of swallowing disorder. Using the most specific code available can help support accurate billing and documentation.
When Should you use a Dysphagia ICD-10 Code Instead of another Diagnosis Code?
A dysphagia ICD-10 code should be used when swallowing difficulty is the appropriate diagnosis. If dysphagia is caused by another condition, such as a stroke or another neurological disorder, a more specific underlying condition or sequelae code may be required instead of or in addition to an R13.1 code.
How do Speech-Language Pathologists Document Dysphagia for Insurance Billing?
SLPs should document the patient’s swallowing symptoms, clinical findings, assessment results, treatment plan, and medical necessity while selecting the most specific ICD-10 code available. Complete and accurate documentation helps support reimbursement and can reduce the risk of claim denials.
