Aphasia

This code represents a general disturbance in the comprehension or formulation of language, affecting a patient's ability to speak, understand, read, or write. It is a neurological condition resulting from damage to the language centers of the brain, but without a specified underlying cause.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of aphasia without further specification of its etiology, such as post-stroke or progressive forms. This diagnosis is typically made by a neurologist or speech-language pathologist based on clinical assessment of language function.

• Do not use this code if the aphasia is explicitly documented as a sequela of cerebrovascular disease; instead, refer to codes in category I69.
• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies progressive isolated aphasia, which has a distinct code (G31.01).
• Always review the medical record for the underlying cause of aphasia; if identified, code the specific type of aphasia or the underlying condition first, if applicable.