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R49.0
ICD-10-CM
Hoarse Voice

Find information on hoarse voice diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes (R49.0, J37.0), and SNOMED CT terminology. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dysphonia and laryngitis. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on voice disorders, including differential diagnosis and patient care. This resource provides guidance on accurate and efficient documentation for optimal reimbursement and clinical best practices related to hoarseness and voice changes.

Also known as

Dysphonia
Hoarseness

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Change in voice quality, often raspy, breathy, or strained.
  • Clinical Signs : Rough voice, weak voice, vocal fatigue, throat clearing, voice breaks.
  • Common Settings : Laryngitis, vocal cord nodules, reflux, overuse, infections, thyroid issues.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R49.0 Coding
J37.0

Chronic laryngitis

Persistent inflammation of the larynx often causing hoarseness.

J04.0-J04.2

Acute laryngitis

Short-term laryngeal inflammation, commonly with hoarseness or voice loss.

R49.0

Dysphonia

Difficulty speaking, including hoarseness, from various physical causes.

J38.0

Paralysis of vocal cords/larynx

Loss of vocal cord movement, potentially leading to hoarseness or breathing problems.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is hoarseness due to laryngitis?

  • Yes

    Acute or chronic laryngitis?

  • No

    Due to vocal cord dysfunction?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Hoarse voice
Acute laryngitis
Vocal cord nodules

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Hoarse voice duration & onset
  • Associated symptoms (cough, dyspnea)
  • Laryngoscopy findings documented
  • Voice quality descriptors (breathy, strained)
  • Differential diagnoses considered & ruled out

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Hoarseness

    Coding R49.0 without sufficient documentation specifying the underlying cause can lead to claim denials and inaccurate quality reporting.

  • Laryngitis Coding Errors

    Miscoding acute vs. chronic laryngitis (J04.0-J37.0) based on documentation can impact reimbursement and physician profiling.

  • Neoplasm Overlooked

    Failing to capture malignant neoplasms of the larynx (C32) when clinically indicated may delay treatment and compromise patient safety.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Hydrate often. Use a humidifier. Avoid irritants like smoke.
  • Rest your voice. Limit talking and whispering.
  • Warm salt water gargles can soothe vocal cords.
  • Avoid clearing your throat. It can strain vocal cords.
  • Consult a physician for persistent hoarseness. Rule out serious conditions (laryngitis, nodules, reflux).

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Hx: Duration, onset, associated symptoms (dysphagia, odynophagia, cough, etc.)
  • PE: Assess vocal quality, neck palpation, laryngeal visualization if indicated
  • Consider differentials: GERD, infection, vocal nodules, laryngeal cancer
  • Document findings supporting diagnosis and management plan
  • ICD-10: R49.0 SNOMED CT: 62405009 Review and confirm code selection

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hoarse Voice: Diagnosis coding impacts reimbursement for laryngoscopy, voice therapy, and medication.
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (R49.0, J37.0, etc.) crucial for appropriate E/M coding & maximized revenue.
  • Quality metrics: Hoarse voice diagnosis affects patient-reported outcome measures for voice disorders.
  • Hospital reporting: Track hoarse voice diagnoses to identify trends and improve voice care pathways.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • ICD-10 R49.0 for hoarse voice
  • Document laryngitis specifics
  • Consider J37.0 for chronic hoarseness
  • Rule out neoplasm (C32)
  • Check vocal cord dysfunction (J38.0)

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a chief complaint of hoarseness, dysphonia, or voice changes.  Onset of symptoms was (duration) and is described as (character of hoarseness: e.g., rough, breathy, strained, weak, etc.).  Associated symptoms may include throat clearing, cough, vocal fatigue, dysphagia, odynophonia, globus sensation, or shortness of breath.  Patient reports (presence or absence) of recent upper respiratory infection, allergies, vocal overuse, laryngopharyngeal reflux, smoking, alcohol use, or exposure to environmental irritants.  Past medical history includes (relevant medical conditions e.g., thyroid disorders, neurological conditions, prior neck surgery or trauma).  Medications include (list current medications).  Family history is (positive or negative) for voice disorders or head and neck cancers.  Physical examination reveals (describe findings including laryngeal appearance on indirect or flexible laryngoscopy if performed: e.g., vocal fold mobility, erythema, edema, lesions).  Differential diagnosis includes vocal fold nodules, polyps, cysts, laryngitis, Reinke's edema, vocal cord paralysis, laryngeal cancer, muscle tension dysphonia, and neurological voice disorders.  Assessment:  Hoarse voice likely secondary to (presumed etiology).  Plan includes (recommendations for treatment e.g., voice therapy, medication for reflux, further investigation with laryngeal imaging or ENT specialist referral if indicated).  Patient education provided regarding vocal hygiene, including hydration, voice rest, and avoidance of irritants. Follow-up scheduled for (date/time) to reassess voice quality and treatment response. ICD-10 code R49.0 (Dysphonia) may be considered pending definitive diagnosis.  CPT codes for evaluation and management (e.g., 99202-99205 or 99211-99215) and any procedures performed (e.g., flexible laryngoscopy) will be documented separately based on complexity.