ICD-10-CM Code For Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified: Group Overview

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group R48 includes disorders of symbolic function such as dyslexia and other specific disturbances in reading, writing, calculation, and symbol use that are not classified elsewhere. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document impairments in language processing, learning-related symbolic functions, or cognitive-linguistic manifestations that impact communication and daily functioning. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM R48 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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ICD-10-CM R48: Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified Overview

This group includes disorders of symbolic function such as dyslexia and related disturbances of written or spoken language processing that are not classified elsewhere. These conditions affect cognitive-linguistic processes and are considered disturbances of speech, language, or symbol use. Accurate coding matters for correct clinical documentation and appropriate reimbursement for services related to assessment and management.

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ICD-10-CM Code For Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified: Group Overview

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ICD-10-CM R48: Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified Overview

When to Use

Use a code from this group when a patient presents with documented impairments in symbolic functions such as reading, writing, calculation, or other language processing that are not attributable to another specific diagnosed condition. Select codes from this group when clinical evaluation indicates these dysfunctions are the primary reason for assessment or treatment and no more specific ICD-10-CM code applies.

ICD-10-CM Codes

6 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
R48.0	Dyslexia and alexia
R48.1	Agnosia
R48.2	Apraxia
R48.3	Visual agnosia
R48.8	Other symbolic dysfunctions
R48.9	Unspecified symbolic dysfunctions

DRG Codes

4 rows

DRG Code	Description
124	Other Disorders of the Eye with MCC or Thrombolytic Agent
125	Other Disorders of the Eye without MCC
886	Behavioral and Developmental Disorders
887	Other Mental Disorder Diagnoses

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An elementary school–age child is referred by their teacher for persistent difficulty learning to read and write despite normal intelligence and adequate schooling; testing shows impaired single-word decoding, poor phonological processing, and slow, inaccurate reading development that has been present since early school years. The child presents for educational and developmental evaluation to document the learning disability and plan interventions, and a diagnosis from this group is assigned to capture the specific reading/written language disorder. Typical codes: R48.0, R48.1
An adult in their 40s is evaluated in outpatient neurology after a stroke; they have relatively preserved speech fluency but display marked difficulties with writing and symbol recognition (alexia with agraphia), interfering with return-to-work tasks. The patient seeks care for assessment of acquired language and symbolic dysfunction following the cerebrovascular event, and a diagnosis from this group is used to describe the acquired impairment in reading/writing abilities. Typical codes: R48.2, R48.3
A school-aged child with autism spectrum disorder presents for multidisciplinary follow-up because, in addition to core ASD symptoms, they have pronounced difficulties with symbol processing and written language that complicate educational planning and are not accounted for by cognitive impairment alone. The team documents the coexisting symbolic dysfunction to guide individualized education services, and a code from this group is assigned as a comorbid condition impacting communication and learning. Typical codes: R48.8, R48.9

ICD-10-CM Code For Speech Disturbances Not Elsewhere Classified: Group Overview

R49-VOICE-AND-RESONANCE-DISORDERS

ICD-10-CM Code For Voice And Resonance Disorders: Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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When to Use

ICD-10-CM Codes

6 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
R48.0	Dyslexia and alexia
R48.1	Agnosia
R48.2	Apraxia
R48.3	Visual agnosia
R48.8	Other symbolic dysfunctions
R48.9	Unspecified symbolic dysfunctions

DRG Codes

4 rows

DRG Code	Description
124	Other Disorders of the Eye with MCC or Thrombolytic Agent
125	Other Disorders of the Eye without MCC
886	Behavioral and Developmental Disorders
887	Other Mental Disorder Diagnoses

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An elementary school–age child is referred by their teacher for persistent difficulty learning to read and write despite normal intelligence and adequate schooling; testing shows impaired single-word decoding, poor phonological processing, and slow, inaccurate reading development that has been present since early school years. The child presents for educational and developmental evaluation to document the learning disability and plan interventions, and a diagnosis from this group is assigned to capture the specific reading/written language disorder. Typical codes: R48.0, R48.1
An adult in their 40s is evaluated in outpatient neurology after a stroke; they have relatively preserved speech fluency but display marked difficulties with writing and symbol recognition (alexia with agraphia), interfering with return-to-work tasks. The patient seeks care for assessment of acquired language and symbolic dysfunction following the cerebrovascular event, and a diagnosis from this group is used to describe the acquired impairment in reading/writing abilities. Typical codes: R48.2, R48.3
A school-aged child with autism spectrum disorder presents for multidisciplinary follow-up because, in addition to core ASD symptoms, they have pronounced difficulties with symbol processing and written language that complicate educational planning and are not accounted for by cognitive impairment alone. The team documents the coexisting symbolic dysfunction to guide individualized education services, and a code from this group is assigned as a comorbid condition impacting communication and learning. Typical codes: R48.8, R48.9

ICD-10-CM Code For Speech Disturbances Not Elsewhere Classified: Group Overview

R49-VOICE-AND-RESONANCE-DISORDERS

ICD-10-CM Code For Voice And Resonance Disorders: Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

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ICD-10-CM R48: Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified Overview

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ICD-10-CM R48: Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified Overview

When to Use

ICD-10-CM Codes

DRG Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

When to Use

ICD-10-CM Codes

DRG Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

ICD-10-CM Code For Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified: Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-CM Code For Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified: Group Overview policy alerts

ICD-10-CM R48: Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified Overview

ICD-10-CM Code For Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified: Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-CM Code For Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified: Group Overview policy alerts

ICD-10-CM R48: Dyslexia And Other Symbolic Dysfunctions, Not Elsewhere Classified Overview

When to Use

ICD-10-CM Codes

DRG Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which diagnoses are included in the ICD-10-CM R48 group?

Why does accurate coding in the R48 group matter for reimbursement?

How are R48 codes characterized in terms of clinical manifestations?

Which DRGs are related to the R48 diagnosis group?

Can R48 codes be used when a symbolic dysfunction is not classified elsewhere?

References

When to Use

ICD-10-CM Codes

DRG Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which diagnoses are included in the ICD-10-CM R48 group?

Why does accurate coding in the R48 group matter for reimbursement?

How are R48 codes characterized in terms of clinical manifestations?

Which DRGs are related to the R48 diagnosis group?

Can R48 codes be used when a symbolic dysfunction is not classified elsewhere?

References