Voice and resonance disorders
ICD-10 R49 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of voice and resonance disorders.
Voice and resonance disorders encompass a range of symptoms related to abnormalities in vocal quality, pitch, loudness, and resonance. These disorders can manifest as hoarseness, breathiness, or a change in vocal pitch, and may be accompanied by resonance issues such as nasal speech or a lack of clarity. Common causes include laryngeal pathologies (e.g., nodules, polyps, or laryngitis), neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke), and structural abnormalities (e.g., cleft palate). Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, including a history of the patient's voice use, physical examination, and possibly laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords. Laboratory findings may include imaging studies or voice assessments. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the specific nature of the voice disorder, its duration, and any associated symptoms to ensure appropriate treatment and management.
Detailed history of voice changes, associated symptoms, and any relevant medical history.
Patients presenting with chronic hoarseness or voice changes due to underlying systemic diseases.
Consideration of comorbidities that may affect voice, such as thyroid disorders or GERD.
Acute assessment of voice changes, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms like stridor or respiratory distress.
Acute laryngitis or trauma to the larynx resulting in sudden voice changes.
Rapid assessment and documentation are critical in emergency settings to ensure timely intervention.
Used in conjunction with R49 for patients receiving speech therapy.
Document the specific voice disorder and treatment goals.
Speech-language pathologists should provide detailed progress notes.
R49.0 refers specifically to hoarseness, while R49.1 is used for dysphonia, which encompasses a broader range of voice disorders including changes in pitch and quality.
