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ICD-10 Coding for Pharyngoesophageal Dysphagia(R13.14)

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

Also known as:

Cricopharyngeal DysphagiaUpper Esophageal Sphincter Dysfunction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pharyngoesophageal Dysphagia

R13.10-R13.19Primary Range

Dysphagia

This range includes all types of dysphagia, with R13.14 specifically for pharyngoesophageal dysphagia.

Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease

Used when dysphagia is a sequela of a cerebrovascular event, requiring sequencing before R13.14.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for pharyngoesophageal dysphagia

Essential facts and insights about Pharyngoesophageal Dysphagia

The ICD-10 code for pharyngoesophageal dysphagia is R13.14, used when instrumental evaluations confirm dysfunction at the pharyngoesophageal segment.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for pharyngoesophageal dysphagia

Pharyngoesophageal phase dysphagia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of impaired PES relaxation on manometry

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed phase-specific swallowing assessment

Applicable To

  • Cricopharyngeal achalasia
  • Upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • FEES/VFS showing residual bolus at PES
  • Manometry confirming failed PES relaxation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with esophageal dysphagia
  • Incorrect sequencing with stroke-related codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies pharyngoesophageal phase involvement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dysphagia following cerebral infarction

I69.191
Use when dysphagia is due to a prior stroke, sequenced before R13.14.

Differential Codes

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

Other dysphagia

R13.19
Use R13.19 for esophageal dysphagia, not involving the pharyngoesophageal segment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pharyngoesophageal Dysphagia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R13.14.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denial

Mitigation Strategy

Always include VFS or FEES results in documentation, Ensure phase-specific details are recorded

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denial due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R13.14 when pharyngoesophageal phase is specified.

Impact

Failure to sequence stroke-related codes before R13.14.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coding staff on proper sequencing rules.

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 Pharyngoesophageal Dysphagia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Pharyngoesophageal Dysphagia

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

Post-stroke dysphagia evaluation

Specialty: Speech-Language Pathology

Required Elements

  • Phase-specific swallowing assessment
  • Instrumental evaluation results
  • Compensatory strategies

Example Documentation

Patient presents with delayed pharyngeal phase initiation and incomplete PES relaxation on VFS, secondary to left MCA stroke.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Dysphagia due to CVA
Good Documentation Example
Delayed pharyngeal phase initiation and incomplete PES relaxation on VFS, secondary to left MCA stroke.
Explanation
The good example specifies the phase and provides instrumental evaluation results.

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

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