ICD-10 Coding for Painful Swallowing(R13.10, R13.13, R13.14)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Painful Swallowing. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Painful Swallowing
R13.10-R13.19Primary Range
Dysphagia
This range includes codes for various phases of dysphagia, which is relevant for coding painful swallowing when the specific phase is identified.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R13.10 | Dysphagia, unspecified | Use when the specific phase of dysphagia is not documented. |
|
| R13.13 | Dysphagia, pharyngeal phase | Use when pain is localized to the throat during the pharyngeal phase. |
|
| R13.14 | Dysphagia, pharyngoesophageal phase | Use when pain extends behind the sternum during swallowing. |
|
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 painful swallowing
Essential facts and insights about Painful Swallowing
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for painful swallowing
Decision Criteria
documentation Criteria
- Lack of specific phase documentation
Applicable To
- Unspecified dysphagia
Excludes
- Dysphagia due to other specified diseases
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Patient report of difficulty swallowing without specific phase identified
Code-Specific Risks
- Overuse when specific phase is documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'painful swallowing' if using this code for odynophagia.
R13.13 - Dysphagia, pharyngeal phase
Use when pain is localized to the throat during the pharyngeal phase.
Applicable To
- Pharyngeal phase dysphagia
Excludes
- Dysphagia due to neurological disorders
Clinical Validation Requirements
- FEES showing pharyngeal residue
- Patient-reported throat pain during swallowing
Coding Notes
Ensure FEES or similar diagnostic test supports pharyngeal phase involvement.
R13.14 - Dysphagia, pharyngoesophageal phase
Use when pain extends behind the sternum during swallowing.
Applicable To
- Pharyngoesophageal phase dysphagia
Excludes
- Dysphagia due to esophageal motility disorders
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Esophageal manometry showing elevated resting pressure
- Retrosternal pain during swallowing
Coding Notes
Document esophageal involvement clearly to justify this code.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Painful Swallowing to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R13.10.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on importance of phase documentation, Use standardized templates for documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use R13.1- codes when pain is triggered by swallowing.
Impact
Lack of specific phase documentation can lead to audit flags.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory fields in EHR for phase documentation.
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 Painful Swallowing, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Painful Swallowing
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Painful Swallowing. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Care H&P
Specialty: Internal MedicineRequired Elements
- Subjective report of pain
- Objective findings from FEES or EGD
- Assessment with specific phase identification
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Painful Swallowing? Ask your questions below.