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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR49.2

R49.2

Hypernasality and hyponasality

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R49.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hypernasality and hyponasality.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hypernasality and hyponasality refer to abnormal resonance of speech due to improper airflow through the nasal cavity during phonation. Hypernasality occurs when there is excessive nasal resonance, often due to conditions such as cleft palate, nasal obstruction, or neurological disorders affecting the soft palate. Hyponasality, on the other hand, is characterized by insufficient nasal resonance, commonly seen in conditions like nasal congestion or structural abnormalities of the nasal passages. Both conditions can significantly impact speech intelligibility and quality of life. Clinically, these symptoms may be assessed through perceptual evaluation, nasometry, or instrumental assessments like videofluoroscopy. The underlying causes can vary widely, necessitating a thorough clinical evaluation to determine the appropriate management and treatment strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in underlying causes requiring differential diagnosis
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Potential overlap with other speech and resonance disorders
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on etiology

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of hypernasality or hyponasality
  • Misuse of related codes leading to incorrect coding
  • Lack of interdisciplinary notes in cases requiring multiple specialties

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and any relevant lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic nasal congestion leading to hyponasality.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic conditions that may contribute to nasal obstruction.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of airway and breathing, including any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute allergic reactions causing sudden onset of nasal obstruction.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of airway status are critical.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R49.2 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs, ensuring that the underlying cause is documented when applicable
  • Use R49
  • 2 when hypernasality or hyponasality is the primary focus of the visit

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R49.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

92507CPT Code

Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing disorder

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with R49.2 for speech therapy services.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific speech therapy interventions provided.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the therapy is directly related to the diagnosis of hypernasality or hyponasality.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of speech and resonance disorders, improving the ability to capture the nuances of conditions like hypernasality and hyponasality.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of speech and resonance disorders, improving the ability to capture the nuances of conditions like hypernasality and hyponasality.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of speech and resonance disorders, improving the ability to capture the nuances of conditions like hypernasality and hyponasality.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hypernasality and hyponasality?

Hypernasality refers to excessive nasal resonance during speech, while hyponasality indicates insufficient nasal resonance, often due to nasal obstruction or structural issues.