2025 ICD-10-CM code F80.81
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Mental, Behavioral, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Pervasive and specific developmental disorders Chapter 5: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders Feed
Childhood-onset fluency disorder, encompassing stuttering and cluttering.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific services provided (e.g., place of service, type of provider). Consult payer-specific guidelines.
Medical necessity is established when the child’s fluency disorder significantly impacts their communication abilities, social interactions, academic performance, and overall quality of life.Documentation should clearly demonstrate the impact of the disorder and the need for intervention to improve functional communication skills.
Speech-language pathologists, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals specializing in communication disorders may be involved in diagnosis and treatment.
- Chapter 5: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders
- F80-F89 (Pervasive and specific developmental disorders)
In simple words: Childhood-onset fluency disorder means a child has trouble speaking smoothly.This can include stuttering (repeating sounds or words) or cluttering (speaking too fast and making mistakes). It usually starts between ages 2 and 7 and can be worse when the child is stressed.Doctors diagnose it by talking to the child and family and observing their speech. Treatment often involves speech therapy to help the child speak more easily and comfortably.
Childhood-onset fluency disorder (F80.81) is a communication disorder affecting speech flow and timing, inconsistent with the child's age and not attributable to other factors.It includes stuttering (involuntary repetition of syllables, words, or phrases) and cluttering (rapid, erratic speech with poor grammar and syntax). Onset typically occurs between ages two and seven, with 80-90% of cases developing by age six.Symptoms may include repetition of sounds or syllables, prolonged pronunciation of sounds, incomplete words, word substitutions, or added words to mask speech difficulties. Symptoms may vary depending on the context (e.g., absent during reading or singing, present in casual conversation).Stress, anxiety, or self-consciousness can exacerbate symptoms, which may also include physical manifestations like eye blinks, tics, or facial shaking. Diagnosis is based on patient history, physical examination, and comparison to DSM criteria. Treatment may involve speech therapy techniques (slowed speech, delayed auditory feedback) and cognitive behavioral therapy to address anxiety.
Example 1: A 5-year-old child presents with significant stuttering, impacting their ability to communicate effectively in school and social settings.They exhibit frequent repetition of sounds and syllables, causing frustration and avoidance of speaking., A 3-year-old child displays cluttering, characterized by rapid, disorganized speech, frequent interruptions, and poor articulation. This interferes with their ability to be understood by others., A 7-year-old child presents with a combination of stuttering and cluttering, exhibiting both repetitive speech patterns and rapid, disorganized speech with poor grammar and syntax.This impacts their academic performance and social interactions.
Detailed history of speech development, including onset, frequency, severity, and context of symptoms.Documentation of the assessment and evaluation process, including specific measures used to assess fluency.A comprehensive treatment plan outlining specific therapy techniques, goals, and progress monitoring.
** Differentiate from adult-onset fluency disorder (F98.5).Consider other contributing factors when documenting the diagnosis.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the specific services provided (e.g., evaluation and management, speech therapy).
- RVU: RVUs will vary depending on the payer, place of service, and specific services provided.Consult payer-specific fee schedules for accurate RVU values.
- Global Days: Not applicable; this is a diagnosis code, not a procedure code.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable; this is a diagnosis code.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary widely depending on payer and location.Consult payer-specific fee schedules for historical and current reimbursement rates.
- Specialties:Speech-Language Pathology, Pediatrics, Neurology, Psychiatry
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), School, Home Health