ICD-10 Coding for Stuttering(F80.81, F98.5, R47.82)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Stuttering. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Stuttering
F80-F89Primary Range
Disorders of psychological development
Includes developmental speech and language disorders, such as stuttering in children.
Behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence
Includes stuttering in adults and other behavioral disorders.
Symptoms and signs involving speech and voice
Includes fluency disorders due to other medical conditions.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| F80.81 | Childhood-onset fluency disorder | Use for children with developmental stuttering without neurological causes. |
|
| F98.5 | Adult-onset fluency disorder | Use for adults with sudden onset stuttering without prior history. |
|
| R47.82 | Fluency disorder in conditions classified elsewhere | Use when stuttering is secondary to a medical condition. |
|
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 childhood stuttering
Essential facts and insights about Stuttering
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for stuttering
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Onset before age 6 with no neurological cause.
documentation Criteria
- Document specific disfluency types and onset age.
Applicable To
- Developmental stuttering
Excludes
- Adult-onset fluency disorder (F98.5)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Onset before age 6
- No neurological cause
- Developmental stuttering
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if onset age is not documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies developmental nature and absence of neurological causes.
F98.5 - Adult-onset fluency disorder
Use for adults with sudden onset stuttering without prior history.
Applicable To
- Psychogenic stuttering
Excludes
- Childhood-onset fluency disorder (F80.81)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sudden onset post-trauma or stress
- No childhood history of stuttering
Coding Notes
Document the absence of childhood stuttering and any triggering events.
R47.82 - Fluency disorder in conditions classified elsewhere
Use when stuttering is secondary to a medical condition.
Applicable To
- Stuttering due to stroke or other neurological conditions
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of a neurological condition like stroke or TBI
Coding Notes
Ensure the underlying condition is documented and coded first.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Fluency disorder in conditions classified elsewhere
R47.82Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Stuttering to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F80.81.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific descriptions of disfluencies., Document functional impacts.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use F80.81 for developmental stuttering in children.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to insufficient documentation., Compliance: Failure to meet documentation standards., Data Quality: Incomplete clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the age of onset for accurate coding.
Impact
Failure to document onset age can lead to coding errors.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory fields for onset age in EHR templates.
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 Stuttering, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Stuttering
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Stuttering. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Pediatric fluency evaluation
Specialty: Speech-Language PathologyRequired Elements
- Onset age
- Types of disfluencies
- Functional impact
- SSI-4 score
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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