Other dysphagia
ICD-10 R13.19 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other dysphagia.
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can manifest in various forms and may be caused by a range of underlying conditions. The term 'other dysphagia' encompasses cases that do not fit neatly into more specific categories of dysphagia, such as oropharyngeal or esophageal dysphagia. Symptoms may include a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest, pain during swallowing (odynophagia), coughing or choking while eating, and unintentional weight loss due to avoidance of eating. Abnormal clinical findings may include signs of aspiration, such as recurrent pneumonia, and laboratory findings may reveal nutritional deficiencies or electrolyte imbalances due to inadequate intake. Common causes of other dysphagia include neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease), structural abnormalities (e.g., tumors, strictures), and muscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis). A thorough diagnostic approach often involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, imaging studies, and swallowing assessments to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.
Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms of dysphagia, along with any relevant diagnostic test results.
Patients presenting with unexplained weight loss, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, or neurological symptoms.
Consideration of comorbidities that may contribute to dysphagia, such as diabetes or neurological disorders.
Acute assessment of airway compromise, vital signs, and immediate interventions taken.
Patients presenting with acute choking episodes or severe dysphagia following a stroke.
Rapid assessment and intervention are critical; documentation should reflect the urgency of the situation.
Used when a patient is assessed for swallowing difficulties.
Document the reason for the evaluation and any findings.
Commonly used in speech therapy and gastroenterology.
R13.19 is used for other types of dysphagia that do not fit into the specific category of oropharyngeal dysphagia (R13.11). It is essential to document the specific type of dysphagia to ensure accurate coding.
