Struggling with word finding difficulty? This resource provides information on clinical documentation and medical coding for word finding difficulty, including relevant healthcare terms, ICD-10 codes for anomic aphasia, language impairment, cognitive communication deficit, and other related diagnoses. Learn about assessment, treatment, and best practices for documenting word retrieval problems in medical records for optimal reimbursement and improved patient care. Explore resources for healthcare professionals addressing language and communication disorders.
Also known as
Other symbolic dysfunctions
Includes word finding difficulty and other language impairments.
Other developmental disorders of speech and language
Covers other specified speech and language developmental issues.
Other specified cerebrovascular diseases
May include language problems if caused by cerebrovascular disease.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the word finding difficulty due to a known neurological condition?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Word finding difficulty |
| Anomic aphasia |
| Expressive aphasia |
Using R48.8 (Unspecified speech and language development disorders) when a more specific code like R47.01 (Word finding difficulty) is applicable leads to inaccurate data.
Insufficient documentation of word-finding difficulty symptoms and severity hinders accurate code assignment and may trigger audits.
Failing to code coexisting conditions like aphasia or cognitive impairment alongside word-finding difficulty impacts reimbursement and quality metrics.
Patient presents with complaints of word finding difficulty, also described as anomia or lexical retrieval difficulty. This manifests as frequent pauses, circumlocutions, and use of nonspecific terms like "thing" or "stuff" during conversation. Onset is reported as gradual and patient denies any associated neurological events such as stroke or head trauma. Assessment reveals intact comprehension and fluency, but difficulty with confrontation naming tasks. Differential diagnosis includes aphasia, cognitive impairment, and anxiety. However, the isolated nature of the word finding difficulty, absence of other language deficits, and lack of cognitive decline suggest primary word finding difficulty. Plan includes speech language therapy focusing on lexical retrieval strategies, compensatory communication techniques, and monitoring for progression or changes in symptoms. ICD-10 code R48.82 (Other symbolic dysfunctions) is considered, with further evaluation to rule out other contributing factors. Patient education provided regarding the nature of word finding difficulties, expected course, and management strategies. Follow-up scheduled to assess response to therapy and adjust treatment plan as needed. This condition impacts functional communication and quality of life, necessitating appropriate interventions and support. Keywords: Word finding difficulty, anomia, lexical retrieval, speech therapy, language impairment, communication disorder, cognitive function, ICD-10 R48.82, medical billing, healthcare documentation, EHR, diagnostic criteria, treatment plan.