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ICD-10 Coding for Dysphagia Unspecified(R13.10)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Dysphagia Unspecified. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Difficulty Swallowing UnspecifiedSwallowing Disorder Unspecified

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dysphagia Unspecified

R13.1-R13.19Primary Range

Dysphagia

This range includes all codes related to dysphagia, specifying different phases and types.

Sequelae of Cerebrovascular Disease

Used when dysphagia is a result of a cerebrovascular event.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for dysphagia unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Dysphagia Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for dysphagia unspecified is R13.10, used when the phase is not specified and no underlying cause is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for dysphagia unspecified

Dysphagia, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of specific phase or etiology in medical records

Applicable To

  • Difficulty swallowing without specified phase

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • No specific phase or etiology documented
  • Normal findings on swallow studies

Code-Specific Risks

  • May lead to denied claims if used without proper justification

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states 'unspecified phase' to justify using R13.10.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Dysphagia following cerebral infarction

I69.391
Use when dysphagia is a sequela of a stroke.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Dysphagia, oral phase

R13.11
Use when the oral phase of swallowing is impaired.

Dysphagia, oropharyngeal phase

R13.12
Use when both oral and pharyngeal phases are involved.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dysphagia Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R13.10.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on documentation requirements., Implement checklist for dysphagia documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data for clinical and research purposes.

Mitigation Strategy

Select the appropriate specific dysphagia code (e.g., R13.11 for oral phase).

Impact

High risk of audit if R13.10 is used without proper justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of the lack of specific phase identification.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Dysphagia Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Dysphagia Unspecified

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Dysphagia Unspecified. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute Care Progress Note

Specialty: Speech-Language Pathology

Required Elements

  • Patient's complaint of swallowing difficulty
  • Results of swallow study
  • Absence of specific phase identification
  • Plan for further diagnostic evaluation

Example Documentation

Patient reports difficulty swallowing. MBS shows no specific phase impairment. Etiology unclear. Plan: Further evaluation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has trouble swallowing.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports difficulty swallowing. MBS shows no specific phase impairment. Etiology unclear.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and notes the lack of phase identification, justifying the use of R13.10.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Dysphagia Unspecified? Ask your questions below.

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