Is ICD-10-CM code R13 billable?

No, R13 (Aphagia and dysphagia) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code R13 belong to?

R13 belongs to Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: R00–R99 (Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings).

R13Not billable, use a more specific code below

Aphagia and dysphagia

In Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen (R10-R19), chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings

7 billable codes under R13: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen (R10-R19)

These notes sit on R10-R19 and apply to every code under it, including R13.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

congenital or infantile pylorospasm (Q40.0)
gastrointestinal hemorrhage (K92.0-K92.2)
intestinal obstruction (K56.-)
newborn gastrointestinal hemorrhage (P54.0-P54.3)
newborn intestinal obstruction (P76.-)
pylorospasm (K31.3)
signs and symptoms involving the urinary system (R30-R39)
symptoms referable to female genital organs (N94.-)
symptoms referable to male genital organs (N48-N50)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers when to report symptom, sign, and abnormal finding codes (R00-R99), plus specific rules for falls, coma scales, non-infectious SIRS, death NOS, and NIHSS scores.

Use of symptom codes (page 75)
Use of a symptom code with a definitive diagnosis code (page 75)
Combination codes that include symptoms (page 75)
Repeated falls (page 76)
Coma (page 76)
Functional quadriplegia (page 76)
SIRS due to Non-Infectious Process (page 77)
Death NOS (page 77)

Read Section I.C.18 (page 75), 1 more topics

All codes under R13

R13 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

R13 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 7 billable codes under R13 group to MS-DRG 391 or 392 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Swallowing Disorders

If you have a swallowing disorder, you may have difficulty or pain when swallowing. Some people cannot swallow at all. Others may have trouble swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. This makes it hard to eat. Often, it can be difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish your body.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.