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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesSlurred Speech

Slurred Speech

ICD-10 Coding for Slurred Speech(R47.81, R47.1)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYNeurology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Slurred Speech?
Essential facts and insights about Slurred Speech

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Difficulty articulating words clearly
  • Inconsistent speech patterns
  • Potential accompanying neurological symptoms (e.g., weakness, facial droop)

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history and symptom onset
  • Neurological examination findings
  • Assessment of potential underlying causes (e.g., stroke, intoxication)

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for coding neurological conditions
  • Avoid using non-specific codes when a specific diagnosis is available

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Speech disorders due to psychological conditions
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA) without neurological deficits

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
R47.01
Slurred speech
I63.9
Cerebral infarction, unspecified
Ancillary Codes
I63.9
G20
Differential Codes
R47.1
R47.1
when dysarthria is confirmed as the primary condition.
R47.81
R47.81
when slurred speech is a symptom of another condition.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Neurology

Specialty Applications

  • Adults and children presenting with speech disturbances
  • Emergency and outpatient neurology settings

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include detailed patient history, neurological exam results, and any imaging or lab results.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the underlying cause of slurred speech for appropriate reimbursement.