ICD-10 Code: R13.10
Description: Dysphagia, unspecified
Category: Symptoms involving digestive system and abdomen
What Is R13.10?
The ICD-10 code R13.10 is used when a patient has difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and the specific cause or phase of swallowing is not documented. It’s one of the most frequently used dysphagia codes in speech therapy, ENT, and gastroenterology billing.
If the phase of dysphagia is known, more precise codes such as R13.11 (Oral phase) or R13.12 (Oropharyngeal phase) should be used instead.
When to Use R13.10
Use R13.10 for:
- Swallowing difficulties without a confirmed diagnosis
- Post-stroke or post-surgery swallowing issues
- Age-related or neurological dysphagia not yet classified
Always document symptoms clearly to justify medical necessity.
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 92610 | Swallowing evaluation |
| 92526 | Swallowing therapy |
| 74230 | Barium swallow test |
Example claim:
Diagnosis: R13.10
Procedure: 92526 (Swallowing therapy)
Documentation Tips
- Specify symptoms and any relevant test results
- Pair R13.10 with appropriate therapy or diagnostic CPT codes
- Include progress notes for ongoing treatment
Pro Tip
AI billing tools like Nym Health, Fathom AI, and Codify by AAPC can automatically match ICD-10 and CPT codes, helping reduce denials and speed up claim approvals.
Summary:
R13.10 is the go-to ICD-10 code for unspecified dysphagia. Accurate documentation and proper code pairing ensure smoother billing and faster reimbursement.