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ICD-10 Coding for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia(R13.12)

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

Also known as:

Swallowing DisorderPharyngeal Dysphagiaswallowing difficulty - oropharyngeal phaseoropharyngeal swallowing disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

R13.1Primary Range

Dysphagia

This range includes specific codes for different phases of dysphagia, including oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease

Used when dysphagia is a sequela of a stroke, requiring sequencing with R13.1 codes.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for oropharyngeal dysphagia

Essential facts and insights about Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

The ICD-10 code for oropharyngeal dysphagia is R13.12, requiring instrumental confirmation via VFSS or FEES.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for oropharyngeal dysphagia

Dysphagia, oropharyngeal phase
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of pharyngeal residue or aspiration during swallow

documentation Criteria

  • VFSS or FEES results confirming oropharyngeal involvement

Applicable To

  • Oropharyngeal dysphagia

Excludes

  • Dysphagia due to other specified causes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Instrumental confirmation via VFSS or FEES
  • Documentation of pharyngeal residue or aspiration

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing with stroke-related codes
  • Lack of instrumental test documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure proper sequencing when related to stroke.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dysphagia following cerebral infarction

I69.391
Use when dysphagia is a sequela of a stroke.

Differential Codes

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

Dysphagia, oral phase

R13.11
Use R13.11 for oral phase involvement, not oropharyngeal.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Oropharyngeal Dysphagia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R13.12.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of specificity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit flags., Financial: Reduced reimbursement rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure phase-specific documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure VFSS or FEES results are documented.

Impact

Claims may be denied if instrumental tests are not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all instrumental test results are included in the patient's record.

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

Documentation Templates for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Instrumental test results
  • Phase-specific findings
  • Link to etiology

Example Documentation

Patient presents with coughing during meals. FEES showed delayed swallow reflex, residue in valleculae, and silent aspiration. Diagnosis: Oropharyngeal dysphagia due to CVA sequela.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Dysphagia improved with thick liquids.
Good Documentation Example
Oropharyngeal dysphagia with 50% residue in valleculae on FEES; upgraded to nectar-thick liquids per SLP.
Explanation
The good example specifies the phase and includes instrumental findings.

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

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