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ICD-10 Coding for Expressive Speech Delay(F80.1, F80.2, F80.4)

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

Also known as:

Expressive Language DisorderSpeech Delay

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Expressive Speech Delay

F80-F89Primary Range

Pervasive and specific developmental disorders

This range includes disorders of speech and language development, including expressive speech delay.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F80.1Expressive language disorderUse when the child has expressive language deficits without receptive language issues.
  • Vocabulary <50 words at 24 months
  • Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) ≤1.5 at 36 months
  • Normal receptive language skills
F80.2Mixed receptive-expressive language disorderUse when both receptive and expressive language deficits are present.
  • Deficits in both receptive and expressive language skills
F80.4Speech and language developmental delay due to hearing lossUse when speech delay is associated with documented hearing loss.
  • Documented hearing loss >25dB

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for expressive speech delay

Essential facts and insights about Expressive Speech Delay

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for expressive speech delay

Expressive language disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Child has expressive language delay with normal receptive skills.

documentation Criteria

  • Include specific vocabulary count and MLU in documentation.

Applicable To

  • Expressive speech delay
  • Developmental expressive language disorder

Excludes

  • Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder (F80.2)
  • Speech and language developmental delay due to hearing loss (F80.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Vocabulary <50 words at 24 months
  • Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) ≤1.5 at 36 months
  • Normal receptive language skills

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using F80.9 if specific criteria for F80.1 are met.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes standardized test scores and language sample analysis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Speech disturbances

R47.0
Use for motor speech deficits or articulation errors alongside F80.1.

Differential Codes

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

Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder

F80.2
Use when both receptive and expressive language deficits are present.

Speech and language developmental delay due to hearing loss

F80.4
Use when speech delay is associated with documented hearing loss.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Expressive Speech Delay 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 inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized tests and language samples.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific expressive or mixed language disorder codes.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific criteria are met.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific code selection.

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 Speech Delay, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Expressive Speech Delay

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

Pediatric expressive language delay evaluation

Specialty: Speech-Language Pathology

Required Elements

  • Current vocabulary count
  • Mean Length of Utterance (MLU)
  • Standardized test scores
  • Hearing status

Example Documentation

Patient demonstrates expressive language delay with MLU 1.8 and vocabulary of 40 words at 34 months.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child isn't talking much. Will start speech therapy.
Good Documentation Example
Patient (34mo) demonstrates expressive language delay with MLU 1.8 and 40-word vocabulary (≤5th %ile per MCDI).
Explanation
The good example provides specific metrics and standardized test references.

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