ICD Code R13.10

ICD code R13.10 is used to identify a condition known as dysphagia, unspecified. This code is applied when a patient has difficulty swallowing, but the specific cause or type of dysphagia has not been determined or documented. It is a general code that helps healthcare providers and billing professionals categorize and track cases of swallowing difficulties without specifying the underlying reason.

1. Difficulty Swallowing: Use the ICD code when a patient presents with a general difficulty in swallowing, regardless of whether it is associated with solids, liquids, or both.

2. Choking Sensation: If the patient reports a sensation of choking or obstruction in the throat or chest during swallowing, this symptom warrants the use of the ICD code.

3. Painful Swallowing (Odynophagia): When swallowing is accompanied by pain, even if the specific cause is not identified, this symptom should be documented using the ICD code.

4. Unexplained Weight Loss: If the patient experiences weight loss that is suspected to be due to swallowing difficulties, this should be considered when using the ICD code.

5. Coughing or Gagging While Eating: Frequent coughing or gagging episodes during meals can indicate swallowing issues, justifying the use of the ICD code.

6. Regurgitation of Food: If the patient reports regurgitating food shortly after swallowing, this symptom should be documented with the ICD code.

7. Recurrent Pneumonia: Use the ICD code if the patient has recurrent pneumonia that may be linked to aspiration due to swallowing difficulties.

8. Hoarseness or Voice Changes: Persistent hoarseness or changes in voice quality that occur alongside swallowing difficulties should be considered when using the ICD code.

9. Feeling of Food Sticking in the Throat or Chest: If the patient describes a sensation of food sticking or not passing smoothly through the throat or chest, this symptom should be documented with the ICD code.

10. Unexplained Drooling: Excessive drooling that is not attributed to other causes and is associated with swallowing difficulties should be considered for the ICD code.

For the ICD code R13.10 (Dysphagia, unspecified), the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment and diagnostic procedures include:

1. 92610 - Evaluation of oral and pharyngeal swallowing function.

2. 92611 - Motion fluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing function by cine or video recording.

3. 92612 - Flexible fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing by cine or video recording.

4. 92613 - Flexible fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing.

5. 92614 - Flexible fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, sensory testing by cine or video recording.

6. 92615 - Flexible fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, sensory testing by cine or video recording, interpretation, and report.

7. 74230 - Swallowing function study (e.g., cineradiography/videoradiography).

These CPT codes are used to document and bill for the evaluation and management of swallowing disorders associated with the ICD code R13.10. It is important for healthcare providers to select the appropriate CPT code based on the specific services rendered to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

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