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ICD-10 Coding for Expressive Language Disorder(F80.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Expressive Language Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Developmental Dysphasia, Expressive TypeExpressive Aphasia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Expressive Language Disorder

F80-F89Primary Range

Disorders of psychological development

This range includes developmental disorders of speech and language, including expressive language disorder.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for expressive language disorder

Essential facts and insights about Expressive Language Disorder

The ICD-10 code for expressive language disorder is F80.1, used for expressive deficits without receptive impairment.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for expressive language disorder

Expressive language disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Expressive language deficits with normal receptive language skills.

coding Criteria

  • Do not use if both expressive and receptive language are impaired.

Applicable To

  • Developmental dysphasia, expressive type
  • Expressive aphasia

Excludes

  • Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder (F80.2)
  • Selective mutism (F94.0)
  • Acquired aphasia with epilepsy (G40.80)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CELF-5 Expressive Index ≤78
  • Receptive skills within normal limits (≥85 standard score)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using F80.1 when both expressive and receptive issues exist.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific expressive language deficits and standardized test scores.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other speech disturbances

R47.89
Use for associated articulation or phonological deficits.

CPT code for speech sound/expressive language evaluation

92523
Use for billing evaluations of speech sound and expressive language.

Differential Codes

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

Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder

F80.2
Use F80.2 when both comprehension and expression are impaired.

Selective mutism

F94.0
Use F94.0 when speech is limited to specific contexts, such as home.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Expressive Language Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F80.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include standardized test results., Use specific diagnostic terms.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F80.2 for mixed receptive-expressive language disorder.

Impact

Lack of standardized test scores in documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all evaluations include standardized test results.

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 Expressive Language Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Expressive Language Disorder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Expressive Language Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial evaluation for expressive language disorder

Specialty: Speech-Language Pathology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Standardized test scores
  • Exclusion of other conditions

Example Documentation

Patient exhibits expressive language disorder (F80.1) with CELF-5 Expressive Index of 75. Receptive language skills are within normal limits.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child has trouble talking.
Good Documentation Example
Child exhibits expressive language disorder (F80.1) with <5th percentile scores on the CELF-5 Expressive Language Index.
Explanation
The good example provides specific test scores and diagnosis.

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