R48 - Dyslexia and other symbolic dysfunctions, not elsewhere classified

Version 2023
No Valid Principal Dx
ICD-10:R48
Short Description:Dyslexia and oth symbolic dysfunctions, NEC
Long Description:Dyslexia and other symbolic dysfunctions, not elsewhere classified
Status: Not Valid for Submission
Version:ICD-10-CM 2023
Code Classification:
  • Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00–R99)
    • Symptoms and signs involving speech and voice (R47-R49)
      • Dyslexia and oth symbolic dysfunctions, NEC (R48)

R48 is a non-specific and non-billable ICD-10 code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of dyslexia and other symbolic dysfunctions, not elsewhere classified. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2023 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

According to ICD-10-CM guidelines this code should not to be used as a principal diagnosis code when a related definitive diagnosis has been established.

Specific Coding for Dyslexia and oth symbolic dysfunctions, NEC

Non-specific codes like R48 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for dyslexia and oth symbolic dysfunctions, nec:

  • BILLABLE CODE - Use R48.0 for Dyslexia and alexia
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use R48.1 for Agnosia
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use R48.2 for Apraxia
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use R48.3 for Visual agnosia
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use R48.8 for Other symbolic dysfunctions
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use R48.9 for Unspecified symbolic dysfunctions

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10 codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more. The following references are applicable to this diagnosis code:


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

Patient Education


Learning Disabilities

What is a learning disability?

Learning disabilities are conditions that affect the ability to learn. They can cause problems with:

Often, children have more than one kind of learning disability. They may also have another condition, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can make learning even more of a challenge.

What causes learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities don't have anything to do with intelligence. They are caused by differences in the brain, and they affect the way the brain processes information. These differences are usually present at birth. But there are certain factors that can play a role in the development of a learning disability, including:

How do I know if my child has a learning disability?

The earlier you can find and treat a learning disability, the better. Unfortunately, learning disabilities are usually not recognized until a child is in school. If you notice that your child is struggling, talk to your child's teacher or health care provider about an evaluation for a learning disability. The evaluation may include a medical exam, a discussion of family history, and intellectual and school performance testing.

What are the treatments for learning disabilities?

The most common treatment for learning disabilities is special education. A teacher or other learning specialist can help your child learn skills by building on strengths and finding ways to make up for weaknesses. Educators may try special teaching methods, make changes to the classroom, or use technologies that can assist your child's learning needs. Some children also get help from tutors or speech or language therapists.

A child with a learning disability may struggle with low self-esteem, frustration, and other problems. Mental health professionals can help your child understand these feelings, develop coping tools, and build healthy relationships.

If your child has another condition such as ADHD, he or she will need treatment for that condition as well.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development


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Code History