2025 ICD-10-CM code R13.12
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings - Dysphagia Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99) Feed
Oropharyngeal phase dysphagia; difficulty swallowing in the oropharynx.
Medical necessity for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for oropharyngeal dysphagia is established based on the presence of significant swallowing difficulties that impair nutritional intake, hydration, or increase risk of aspiration pneumonia.Documentation should support the need for intervention, demonstrating impact on patient's functional status and quality of life.
Diagnosis and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia, including assessment of swallowing function, identification of underlying causes (e.g., neurological disorders, structural abnormalities), and implementation of appropriate interventions such as diet modifications, swallowing therapy, or referral to other specialists (e.g., gastroenterologist, neurologist).
- Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
- Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen (R10-R19)
In simple words: This code means the patient has trouble swallowing food in the back of their throat.This can make eating and drinking difficult and may cause coughing or choking.
R13.12, Dysphagia, oropharyngeal phase, is an ICD-10-CM code that signifies difficulty swallowing specifically in the oropharynx, the area at the back of the throat where the mouth and pharynx meet. This condition involves impaired movement of food from the mouth to the esophagus, often caused by neuromuscular disorders, structural abnormalities, or neurological conditions.The difficulty may manifest as choking, coughing, or food residue in the pharynx after swallowing.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male post-stroke patient presents with difficulty swallowing liquids and solids, with coughing and choking episodes.Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) reveals impaired bolus transit in the oropharynx, consistent with R13.12., A 7-year-old child with cerebral palsy exhibits impaired oral motor skills and difficulty managing different food textures.VFSS shows reduced tongue mobility and pharyngeal weakness, resulting in oropharyngeal dysphagia (R13.12)., A 40-year-old female with Parkinson's disease reports difficulty initiating swallowing and frequent throat clearing.Clinical examination and swallowing evaluation confirm oropharyngeal dysphagia (R13.12).
Thorough history including details of swallowing difficulties, dietary modifications, and associated symptoms (e.g., coughing, choking, drooling).Detailed clinical examination of oral cavity and oropharynx.Findings from diagnostic tests such as VFSS, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), or other relevant assessments should be documented.
** The oropharyngeal phase of swallowing involves the coordinated action of multiple muscles and structures, making diagnosis and management complex.Interprofessional collaboration is often required for optimal patient outcomes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Speech-language pathology, neurology, gastroenterology, otolaryngology
- Place of Service:Office, hospital inpatient, hospital outpatient, skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation facility