2025 ICD-10-CM code R47
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Symptoms - Symptoms and signs involving speech and voice Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99) Feed
Speech disturbances, not elsewhere classified.
Modifiers are generally not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
Medical necessity is established by the documentation that supports a diagnosis of a speech disorder.The nature of the speech impairment, its impact on daily functioning, and any attempts to determine the underlying cause are relevant in establishing medical necessity.
The clinical responsibility for coding R47 rests with the physician or other qualified healthcare provider who assesses the patient's speech and determines the appropriate diagnosis. Accurate documentation of the patient's speech difficulties, any associated symptoms or conditions, and results of relevant evaluations is crucial for correct coding.
- Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
- R47-R49 (Symptoms and signs involving speech and voice)
In simple words: This code is used when someone has problems with their speech that doctors can't explain fully, even after tests.It means there's a speech issue, but the exact reason isn't clear.
This ICD-10-CM code encompasses various speech disturbances that cannot be categorized more specifically, even after thorough investigation.It includes transient conditions with undetermined causes, provisional diagnoses in patients who didn't return for follow-up, cases referred elsewhere before diagnosis, and situations where a precise diagnosis remains unavailable.The code excludes specific speech disorders like autism, cluttering, and specific developmental speech and language disorders.Further specification may be required depending on the underlying cause or nature of the speech disturbance.
Example 1: A 70-year-old patient presents with slurred speech following a stroke.The physician documents dysarthria, but the underlying cause is the stroke. In this case, R47 would be used in conjunction with a cerebrovascular disease code from the I60-I69 range., A 5-year-old child is evaluated for speech delay.A comprehensive speech-language pathology evaluation shows the child has difficulty forming words and expressing their thoughts clearly.However, no underlying neurological condition is found.R47 might be used, but the physician may consider a developmental disorder diagnosis from the F80-F89 range if appropriate., A patient presents with sudden onset aphonia (loss of voice) of unknown cause.Following a comprehensive workup that included ENT and neurological examinations and was unable to identify the underlying cause. The physician would use R47 as a placeholder because the cause of the patient's aphonia is unclear, and additional investigation is needed.
Detailed documentation of the patient's speech difficulties, including specific symptoms (e.g., slurred speech, dysphonia, aphasia), onset, duration, and any associated symptoms.Results of any relevant evaluations (e.g., speech-language pathology assessment, neurological exam) should be included.The physician's rationale for selecting R47 should be clearly documented if the cause of the speech disturbance is unclear.
** R47 is a residual code. Use it only when no more specific code is available after thorough investigation. The use of this code does not imply a lack of care; the patient may have presented to a facility for only a brief assessment.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Specialties:Speech-Language Pathology, Neurology, Otolaryngology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Skilled Nursing Facility, Other