A processing device detects a read operation at a memory device that is directed at a word line group from among multiple word line groups of the memory device. The processing device increments a read counter associated with the word line group based on the read operation being directed at the word line group. The processing device determines the read counter exceeds a read-disturb threshold and performs read-disturb handling on the word line group in response to determining the read counter exceeds the read-disturb threshold.