R13.10 : Dysphagia ICD-10
Dysphagia ICD 10 is the code used by Speech-Language Pathologists who work with adults diagnosed with Dysphagia. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defines Dysphagia as a “swallowing disorder involving the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, or gastroesophageal junction.”
Summary
- The ICD-10 code R13.1 is used to diagnose dysphagia. It includes subcodes such as R13.10–R13.14 and R13.19, which help identify the specific phase or type of swallowing difficulty. Using the correct code is important for insurance reimbursement and staying compliant with HIPAA and payer requirements. Taking an insurance billing course for therapists can help providers improve their understanding of proper coding.
- Dysphagia affects about 1 in 25 adults each year and is often caused by neurological conditions, trauma, or disorders of the head and neck. Speech-Language Pathologists play a key role in assessment and treatment, which may include oral-motor exams, diet changes, and compensatory strategies.
- SLPs must carefully separate dysphagia from related conditions, such as pediatric feeding disorders or post-stroke conditions, to avoid coding mistakes. In some cases, codes like I69.391 or R13.19 may be more accurate depending on the cause and related conditions.
Dysphagia does more than reduce a client’s quality of life—it can also cause serious health problems. Swallowing disorders may lead to aspiration pneumonia, choking, malnutrition, dehydration, and overall poor general health.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are a vital part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team treating clients with Dysphagia. SLPs identify signs and symptoms of Dysphagia through detailed assessments. They also provide treatment, which may include specific exercises to improve the strength and coordination of oral-pharyngeal muscles needed for safe swallowing.
SLPs who work with Dysphagia clients also give guidance on diet modifications. This includes changing food textures and thickening liquids to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Dysphagia is common in the U.S. population, with about 1 in 25 adults experiencing swallowing problems each year. Because of this, SLPs must understand the disorder and know how to diagnose it correctly.
Having strong knowledge of Dysphagia also helps Speech-Language Pathologists follow Medicaid and ASHA guidelines when documenting a Dysphagia ICD-10 code with the highest level of accuracy.
Below is essential information about the Dysphagia ICD 10 code, symptoms of Dysphagia, and recommended resources for treatment.
Dysphagia ICD 10
SLPs are required to use ICD-10 codes when diagnosing clients and billing for services. To remain compliant with HIPAA and receive payment from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance providers, therapists must use the most accurate and specific ICD-10 codes.
R13.1 is the Dysphagia ICD 10 code used to diagnose this condition.
Therapists can use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ICD-10 lookup tool to review guidance on when to use the Dysphagia ICD 10 code for clients with swallowing difficulties.
According to the 2022 ICD-10 CM Diagnosis Codes related to Speech, Language, and Swallowing Disorders published by ASHA, R13.1 should be used for Dysphagia. This code does not apply to Dysphagia following cerebrovascular disease, where I69.-91 codes should be used instead.
The Dysphagia ICD 10 code falls under “Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen” (R10–R19).
Specific codes under R13.1 Dysphagia include:
| Code | Condition |
|---|---|
| R13.10 | Dysphagia, unspecified (difficulty in swallowing NOS) |
| R13.11 | Dysphagia, oral phase |
| R13.12 | Dysphagia, oropharyngeal phase |
| R13.13 | Dysphagia, pharyngeal phase |
| R13.14 | Dysphagia, pharyngoesophageal phase |
| R13.19 | Other Dysphagia (Cervical Dysphagia, Neurogenic Dysphagia) |
When assigning the R13.1 Dysphagia ICD 10 diagnosis, SLPs must understand the signs and symptoms of this disorder.
What Are the Symptoms of Dysphagia?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing—taking more time and effort to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Dysphagia can be painful, and in some cases, swallowing is impossible.”
Common causes of Dysphagia include:
- Damage to the central nervous system or brain, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and developmental disabilities
- Conditions affecting the head and neck, including cancer (oral or esophageal), surgery, trauma, history of intubation or tracheostomy, and poor dentition
- Pulmonary diseases and side effects from certain medications
Common signs and symptoms of Dysphagia:
- Coughing
- Choking or inability to swallow
- Weight loss
- Drooling
- Hoarse vocal quality
- Difficulty managing saliva
- Painful swallowing
A client does not need to show all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with Dysphagia. The severity of Dysphagia can range from mild to severe.
Dysphagia can occur at any age but is more common in adults than in children.
In children, Dysphagia may be present in those with Cerebral Palsy, genetic disorders, or a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or brain tumors.
SLPs working with adults often see Dysphagia in individuals who have experienced a stroke, TBI, or progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Muscular Dystrophy.
Dysphagia can occur alongside other speech and language disorders. For example, a child may have both a mixed receptive-expressive language disorder and Dysphagia. Adults with a Cerebrovascular Incident may experience Aphasia along with Dysphagia.
SLPs should review the CDC’s 2022 updates related to swallowing disorders, including new ICD-10 codes for Pediatric Feeding Difficulties, which are separate from the Dysphagia ICD 10 code. Additional information is available through ASHA.
Prevalence of Dysphagia
According to ASHA, Dysphagia affects about 22% of adults over the age of 50.
Estimated prevalence rates linked to neurological conditions include:
- 29%–64% of stroke patients
- Up to 90% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease or ALS
- 13%–57% of individuals with Dementia
When Not to Use R13.1 for the Dysphagia ICD 10 Code
SLPs should not use R13.1 for children diagnosed with a Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD).
Therapists should apply the most specific code related to the cause of Dysphagia, such as:
- Dysphagia following cerebral infarction (I69.391)
- Dysphagia following subarachnoid hemorrhage (I69.091)
- Dysphagia following specified disease NEC (I69.891)
- Neurogenic Dysphagia (R13.19)
SLPs should check the CDC ICD-10 lookup tool each year to ensure they are using the most current and accurate codes.
The Dysphagia ICD 10 code may also be used with language disorder codes, such as F80.1 Expressive Language Delay or F80.2 Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder.
Assessment and Treatment for Individuals With Dysphagia
Assessment for clients suspected of having Dysphagia may include:
- Oral motor examination
- Case history, including client and family interviews, symptom review, medical history review, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals
- Non-instrumental assessment, such as evaluating secretion management, swallowing patterns, and vocal quality
- Instrumental assessment, including video swallow studies
Treatment for Dysphagia may include:
- Modifying diet consistency
- Teaching compensatory strategies
- Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim)
SLPs can use the following resources to support Dysphagia treatment:
- ASHA: Adult Dysphagia
- MedBridge: Courses for SLPs on Dysphagia
- American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
