Aphagia and dysphagia (R13) ICD-10-CM
The R13 code range covers aphagia and dysphagia with 9 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 7 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Codes in the R13 Range 9 codes · 7 billable
About the R13 Code Range
ICD-10 code R13 covers aphagia and dysphagia, which refer to conditions affecting swallowing ability. Aphagia indicates an inability to swallow, while dysphagia describes difficulty swallowing. These codes help precisely document and differentiate various swallowing disorders in medical records and billing.
The ICD-10 code for aphagia (R13.0) is used when a patient is unable to initiate swallowing or swallow foods or fluids of any consistency, including saliva and thickened liquids. For example, synonyms like “unable to swallow,” “absent deglutition,” and “finding related to ability to initiate swallowing reflex” clarify this complete swallowing loss. The broader R13.1 code and its subcategories classify different phases and types of dysphagia, which involves difficulty rather than total inability to swallow. Codes such as R13.10 (unspecified dysphagia) cover general swallowing problems, while more specific codes like R13.11 through R13.14 identify dysfunctions in oral, oropharyngeal, pharyngeal, or pharyngoesophageal phases. Synonyms like “difficulty swallowing solids,” “food goes down wrong way,” or “cricopharyngeal disorder” help clarify these distinctions for coders. The R13.19 code includes other dysphagia types, including intermittent or painful swallowing difficulties and rare causes like vascular anomalies.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the R13 range?
Of the 9 codes in this range, 7 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the R13 range classify?
The range classifies aphagia and dysphagia. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
