Dysphagia ICD-10-CM Codes

Accurate and comprehensive ICD-10-CM codes for dysphagia. Simplify medical billing and coding today.

By Patricia Buenaventura on Jul 16, 2025.

What ICD-10 codes are used for dysphagia?

Dysphagia refers to difficulty in swallowing, a condition with various underlying causes. In the ICD-10-CM coding system, specific codes are used to accurately identify and classify dysphagia cases for effective healthcare management.

Here are some commonly used ICD-10-CM codes for dysphagia, along with their clinical descriptions:

R13.10: Dysphagia, unspecified

This code is used when the exact cause or nature of the swallowing difficulty is not specified in the medical documentation.

R13.11: Dysphagia, oral phase

This code indicates difficulty initiating or coordinating the swallowing process, usually associated with mouth, tongue, or lips issues.

R13.12: Dysphagia, oropharyngeal phase

This code for oropharyngeal dysphagia represents problems encountered during the swallowing process in the oropharynx, including the back of the throat and the upper esophageal sphincter.

R13.13: Dysphagia, pharyngeal phase

This code indicates difficulty in swallowing due to impaired function in the pharynx, which can result from muscular or neurological disorders.

R13.14: Dysphagia, pharyngoesophageal phase

This code is used when there is difficulty in swallowing at the junction between the pharynx and the esophagus. This diagnosis is also known as esophageal dysphagia.

R13.19: Other dysphagia

This code encompasses dysphagia cases that do not fit into the specific categories mentioned above and require further specification.

Which dysphagia ICD codes are billable?

All of the aforementioned codes are billable.

Clinical information

Dysphagia is a disorder characterized by difficulty swallowing or swallowing problems and can result from various underlying causes. It is considered a swallowing disorder that causes trouble swallowing liquids, solids, or both in a patient.
It can affect any part of the swallowing process, including the oral, oropharyngeal, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases.
Dysphagia can be caused by structural abnormalities obstructing the esophagus, such as strictures, tumors, or foreign bodies.
Neurological conditions or nervous system disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disorders, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy problems, can lead to dysphagia due to muscle weakness or coordination problems. It can also be caused by stroke, head/throat/mouth/neck injuries, neuromuscular disorders, mechanical obstructions, spinal cord injuries, cancer, or digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Conditions affecting the muscles and structures involved in swallowing, such as muscular dystrophy or head and neck cancer, can also cause dysphagia.
Symptoms of dysphagia may include pain or discomfort while swallowing, choking or coughing during or after eating, or a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest.
Diagnosis of dysphagia involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly additional tests such as a swallowing study or endoscopy.
Treatment options for dysphagia depend on the underlying cause and severity and may include dietary modifications, swallowing treatment exercises, esophagus medicines, or surgical interventions for very serious cases.
Dysphagia management often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including input from speech therapists, gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists, and dieticians.
Proper diagnosis and management of dysphagia are crucial to prevent complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and reduced quality of life.

Synonyms include

Swallowing difficulties
Deglutition disorders
Impaired swallowing
Feeding problems
Eating difficulties

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