Dysphagia, pharyngeal phase
ICD-10 R13.13 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dysphagia, pharyngeal phase.
Dysphagia, specifically in the pharyngeal phase, refers to difficulty swallowing that occurs during the transition of food from the mouth to the esophagus. This phase is critical as it involves the coordinated action of the pharynx and the upper esophageal sphincter. Symptoms may include a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat, coughing or choking during meals, and regurgitation. Patients may also experience aspiration, leading to recurrent pneumonia or other respiratory complications. The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is complex and can be affected by neurological disorders, structural abnormalities, or muscular dysfunction. Common causes include stroke, neurological diseases such as Parkinson's or ALS, head and neck cancers, and post-surgical complications. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed history, physical examination, and potentially imaging studies or swallowing assessments. Laboratory findings may include aspiration pneumonia or signs of malnutrition due to inadequate intake.
Detailed history of swallowing difficulties, associated symptoms, and any prior evaluations.
Patients presenting with unexplained weight loss, recurrent pneumonia, or chronic cough.
Consideration of comorbidities such as neurological disorders or malignancies.
Acute assessment of airway compromise, history of recent swallowing difficulties, and immediate interventions.
Patients presenting with choking episodes or acute respiratory distress.
Rapid assessment and intervention are critical; documentation must reflect urgency and interventions performed.
Used to evaluate swallowing difficulties in patients with dysphagia.
Document the rationale for the study and findings.
Commonly performed in ENT and gastroenterology settings.
R13.13 refers specifically to dysphagia occurring in the pharyngeal phase, while R13.12 pertains to dysphagia in the oral phase. Accurate coding requires identifying the phase of swallowing affected.
