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R13.12
ICD-10-CM
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Understand oropharyngeal dysphagia diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Find information on clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10), and healthcare best practices for oropharyngeal dysphagia. Learn about swallowing difficulties, causes, evaluation, and management of this condition. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, including speech-language pathologists, and find support for patients experiencing oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Also known as

Swallowing Disorder
Pharyngeal Dysphagia
swallowing difficulty - oropharyngeal phase
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Difficulty swallowing originating in the throat.
  • Clinical Signs : Coughing, choking, sensation of food stuck in throat, voice changes.
  • Common Settings : Hospitals, ENT clinics, speech therapy, rehabilitation centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R13.12 Coding
R13.1

Dysphagia, Oropharyngeal Phase

Difficulty swallowing in the mouth and throat.

R13

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, location unspecified.

K14.2

Sialoadenitis, Chronic

Chronic salivary gland inflammation can cause oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Dysphagia specific to oropharyngeal phase?

  • Yes

    Due to CVA/stroke sequelae?

  • No

    Review documentation and consider alternative diagnoses. If dysphagia is not oropharyngeal, code appropriately (e.g., R13.11 for pharyngeal phase, R13.12 for esophageal phase).

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Difficulty swallowing in the throat.
Esophageal dysphagia
Functional dysphagia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Oropharyngeal dysphagia diagnosis documented
  • Symptoms: Difficulty initiating swallow, coughing, choking
  • Clinical evaluation: Oral motor exam, bedside swallow study
  • Instrumental assessment: FEES, VFSS if indicated
  • ICD-10 code: R13.1x documented, 7th character specificity

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough HPI: Document onset, symptoms, impact on ADLs for ICD-10 accuracy (R13.1).
  • Standardized assessment: Use validated tools (SWALQOL) for consistent, compliant CDI.
  • MBSImP coding: Ensure correct use of 92610, 92611, 92612 & 92617 per CMS guidelines.
  • Instrumental eval: FEES/VFSS findings support Dx and justify treatment, avoid denials.
  • MDM documentation: Clearly link dysphagia etiology, severity, and treatment plan.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Swallow screen positive? (ICD-10 R13.1)
  • 2. Clinical exam: signs of dysphagia? Document details.
  • 3. Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) ordered/reviewed? (CPT 92610)
  • 4. FEES if MBS CI? (CPT 92613) Document rationale.
  • 5. Dysphagia etiology documented for Dx/Tx plan? (e.g., stroke)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Reimbursement: ICD-10 R13.1x, CPT 92526, impact on MS-DRG assignment crucial for accurate hospital payments.
  • Coding Accuracy: Precise documentation of dysphagia severity, etiology, and treatment impacts reimbursement and quality reporting.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Dysphagia increases risk of aspiration pneumonia, impacting hospital-acquired condition (HAC) reporting and value-based purchasing.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate coding and documentation essential for performance tracking, resource allocation, and quality improvement initiatives.

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 R13.1x for oropharyngeal dysphagia
  • Document swallowing difficulty details
  • Specify cause, if known, for R13.1x
  • Consider 787.2x for dysphagia symptom
  • Videofluoroscopic swallow study supports dx

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with oropharyngeal dysphagia. Symptoms include difficulty initiating swallowing, coughing or choking while swallowing, sensation of food sticking in the throat, nasal regurgitation, and repeated pneumonia.  Onset of symptoms is reported as [gradual/sudden] and has been present for [duration].  Contributing factors may include [neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis; muscular dystrophy; head and neck cancer;  structural abnormalities;  iatrogenic causes such as radiation therapy or medication side effects; or aging].  Clinical evaluation included a bedside swallow evaluation revealing [specific findings such as delayed swallow initiation, reduced hyolaryngeal excursion, weak cough, or aspiration].  Instrumental assessment via [modified barium swallow study or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing FEES] demonstrated [specific findings e.g., penetration, aspiration, residue].  Diagnosis of oropharyngeal dysphagia is confirmed.  Plan includes referral to [speech-language pathologist, dietitian, otolaryngologist, neurologist, or gastroenterologist as appropriate].  Recommendations for dysphagia management include [compensatory strategies such as postural adjustments, modified diet textures including thickened liquids and pureed foods, swallowing exercises, and oropharyngeal strengthening exercises].  Patient education provided on safe swallowing techniques and aspiration precautions.  Follow up scheduled in [timeframe] to assess treatment efficacy and adjust plan as needed.  ICD-10 code [R13.10, R13.11, R13.12, R13.19 as appropriate] assigned.  CPT codes for evaluation and treatment will be based on specific procedures performed, such as 92526, 92610, 92611, 92612, 92613, 92614, 92615, 92616, and 92617.
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation