Mixed receptive expressive language disorder ICD 10
If you’re a Speech-Language Pathologist working in a health care setting or private therapy practice, you likely see ICD-10 codes daily in documentation like referrals, therapy notes, and evaluation reports.
But, what exactly is ICD-10? And why is it imperative for SLP’s to be familiar with ICD-10 codes, know how to use them, and keep up with changes to codes?
Let’s explore the answers to all of those questions and talk about one of the most common ICD-10 codes used by SLP’s - the Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder.
What is ICD-10?
ICD-10 is owned by the World Health Organization (WHO), and stands for the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. It’s the official system used in the United States to assign health care codes that correspond to various diagnoses and procedures.
ICD-10-CM is included under ICD-10. The “CM” (Clinical Modification), was developed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) to be used across U.S. healthcare settings. On October 1, 2021, the most current, 2022, edition of the ICD-10-CM codes became effective.
We know what you’re thinking. All of these acronyms are enough to make an SLP’s head spin. But not to worry! Here’s what you really need to know.
SLP’s are required to use ICD-10 codes when diagnosing clients and charging for procedures in order to comply with HIPAA regulations and for payment by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies.
Lacking knowledge of the ICD-10 codes pertinent to your clients and a failure to stay up to date on the latest changes could result in insurance denials for your practice.
ICD-10: Mixed receptive expressive language disorder
One of the most frequently used ICD-10 codes encountered by SLP’s is for the diagnosis of a Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder. This ICD-10-CM code is F80.2.
According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), Speech-Language Pathologists should choose the code(s) that “provide the greatest degree of accuracy and completeness”.
Meaning, it’s crucial to know the specific characteristics of a given diagnosis and to be sure that these characteristics accurately describe your client’s difficulties.
A Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder is a disorder characterized by difficulties with both understanding language (Receptive Language Disorder) and using language to communicate (Expressive Language Disorder).
This disorder can be seen in clients who are of a range of ages, from toddlers to adults.
A young child with a Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder may have difficulties understanding age-appropriate concepts, such as identifying body parts or the names of common objects. They may also have a limited vocabulary, and not speak as many words as expected for their age.
School-aged children with this disorder can show characteristics such as trouble understanding directions, remembering information. They can also have difficulty putting words together with correct grammar in order to effectively communicate their wants, needs, and thoughts to others.
Adult clients with a Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder may have difficulty both understanding and using language due to a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or progressive disorder.
A Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder can range in severity, from mild to severe.
What does ICD-10-CM F80.2 include and exclude?
The criteria symptoms for the ICD-10-CM diagnosis of F80.2 Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder include the following:
● Both a Receptive Language Disorder and an Expressive Language Disorder
● May include: Developmental Dysphasia or Aphasia, receptive type
● May include: Developmental Wernicke’s Aphasia
The exclusions for F80.2 include:
● Central Auditory Processing Disorder
● Dysphasia or Aphasia NOS
● Aquired Aphasia with Epilepsy
● Pervasive Developmental Disorders
● Intellectual Disabilities
● Selective Mutism
The above disorders have other specific ICD-10 codes that SLP’s should refer to when completing documentation such as evaluations and treatment notes.
Prevalence of a Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder
Most SLP’s working in a healthcare or private setting have clients with a Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder on their caseload.
The disorder can be considered common in both children and adults in the United States.
According to data from the National Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 1 in 12 (7.7%) children in the U.S. between the ages of 3-17 has had a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing within the past 12 months.
In regards to language in specific, government statistics report that over 3% of children in the U.S. have had a language disorder in the past 12 months that lasted at least 1 week.
Language disorders frequently occur in the adult population as well. Currently about 1 million individuals in the U.S. have Aphasia. Certain types of Aphasia are coded under the ICD-10 code F80.2: Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder.
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When do ICD-10 codes change?
ICD-10 codes are updated annually. They are released and effective October 1st each year, and it’s important for SLP’s to stay up to date with the changes in order to maintain compliance with HIPAA and insurance requirements.
What’s the easiest way for therapists to find accurate information on the latest ICD-10 code updates?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provide several coding resources on their website. These include an ICD-10 code lookup tool. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) also offers an ICD-10-CM Lookup tool. This allows providers to search for specific codes or disorders for the current fiscal year.
Speech-Language Pathologists can utilize resources through ASHA (the American Speech Language Hearing Association) for guidance on coding, such as when to use the F80.2 Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder ICD-10 code.
More resources for using ICD-10 codes
ICD-10 codes, particularly the one for a Mixed Receptive Expressive Language Disorder are important for SLPs to have up to date knowledge on in order to comply with HIPAA and Insurance requirements.
TheraPlatform makes it easy to use ICD-10 codes accurately with its ICD-10 code lookup. All codes on TheraPlatofrm will also auto-populate to documentation, billing, and claims, making accurate documentation a breeze.
You can use TheraPlatform to manage several aspects of your practice, from documentation to financial organization and scheduling. Not to mention, some amazing resources for Speech Language Pathologists! TheraPlatform, an all-in-one EHR, practice management and teletherapy tool was built for therapists to help them save time on admin tasks. Consider starting with a free trial of TheraPlatform today.
