ICD-10 Code I69.991 – Dysphagia following unspecified cerebrovascular disease (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I69.991 – Dysphagia following unspecified cerebrovascular disease
What it is
This code identifies swallowing difficulty that remains after an unspecified cerebrovascular event. Use it when the dysphagia is documented as a late effect of stroke or another cerebrovascular disease, but the original event is not further specified.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings include coughing or choking with eating, trouble initiating a swallow, or aspiration risk after a cerebrovascular event.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly links dysphagia to a prior unspecified cerebrovascular disease and the condition is being treated or assessed as a residual effect. It is appropriate for follow-up visits, rehab notes, or outpatient documentation that confirms the swallowing problem persists. Check documentation if the cause is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for dysphagia without a documented cerebrovascular cause, or when the swallowing problem is acute and not a residual condition. Do not use it if a more specific post-stroke code is documented.
Coding tip
Link the dysphagia to the prior cerebrovascular disease in the note before assigning this code.