Other speech disturbances
ICD-10 R47.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other speech disturbances.
R47.8 encompasses a variety of speech disturbances that do not fall under more specific categories. These disturbances can manifest as difficulties in articulation, fluency, or voice quality, and may be indicative of underlying neurological, psychological, or developmental conditions. Common symptoms include slurred speech, stuttering, or abnormal pitch and volume. Clinical findings may reveal issues such as dysarthria, where muscle control for speech is impaired, or aphasia, which affects language comprehension and production. The etiology of these disturbances can range from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases to psychological factors such as anxiety or stress. Accurate diagnosis often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including neurological assessments, speech-language evaluations, and psychological testing to determine the root cause and appropriate treatment plan.
Detailed patient history, including onset and duration of symptoms, and any associated neurological findings.
Patients presenting with sudden onset of speech disturbances following a stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Consideration of comorbid conditions such as hypertension or diabetes that may contribute to neurological deficits.
Immediate assessment of speech disturbances in the context of acute neurological events, including stroke protocols.
Acute presentations of speech disturbances in patients with suspected stroke or head trauma.
Rapid identification and documentation of symptoms to facilitate timely intervention.
Used in conjunction with R47.8 when speech therapy is initiated.
Document the specific speech disturbance and treatment goals.
Speech-language pathologists should provide detailed reports to support therapy coding.
Document the specific type of speech disturbance, any associated neurological evaluations, and the impact on the patient's daily life. Include treatment plans and referrals to specialists as needed.
