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ICD-10 Coding for Abdominal Wall Mass(R19.00, R19.03)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Abdominal Wall Mass. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Abdominal MassAbdominal Swelling

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Abdominal Wall Mass

R19.00-R19.09Primary Range

Localized swelling, mass and lump of abdominal wall

This range covers site-specific masses in the abdominal wall, crucial for accurate diagnosis and coding.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R19.00Unspecified swelling, mass and lump of abdominal wallUse when the specific site of the abdominal wall mass is not documented.
  • Physical examination indicating a palpable mass
  • Imaging confirming mass in the abdominal wall
R19.03Right lower quadrant swelling, mass and lump of abdominal wallUse when the mass is documented in the right lower quadrant of the abdominal wall.
  • Physical examination confirming mass in right lower quadrant
  • Ultrasound or CT scan confirming location

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for abdominal wall mass

Essential facts and insights about Abdominal Wall Mass

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified abdominal wall mass is R19.00, while site-specific codes like R19.03 are used for the right lower quadrant.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for abdominal wall mass

Unspecified swelling, mass and lump of abdominal wall
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Mass location is not specified in the documentation.

Applicable To

  • Abdominal wall mass, unspecified site

Excludes

  • Abdominal distension (R14.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical examination indicating a palpable mass
  • Imaging confirming mass in the abdominal wall

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if specific site is documented but not coded

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies whether the mass is intra-abdominal or within the abdominal wall.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Unspecified abdominal pain

R10.9
Use if the mass is associated with abdominal pain.

Right lower quadrant pain

R10.31
Use if the mass is associated with pain in the right lower quadrant.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Abdominal distension

R14.0
Use R14.0 for distension due to gas or fluid, not a solid mass.

Other specified disorders of peritoneum

K66.8
Use K66.8 if imaging suggests intra-abdominal involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Abdominal Wall Mass to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R19.00.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on the importance of detailed documentation, Use standardized templates for clinical notes

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Decreases data accuracy and quality.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for specific site documentation and use the appropriate site-specific code.

Impact

Audits may focus on whether the documentation supports the specificity of the coded location.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all clinical documentation includes precise mass location details.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Abdominal Wall Mass, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Abdominal Wall Mass

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Abdominal Wall Mass. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Operative report for abdominal wall mass excision

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Pre-operative diagnosis
  • Post-operative diagnosis
  • Procedure details
  • Findings

Example Documentation

Pre-op Dx: Abdominal wall mass, right lower quadrant. Post-op Dx: 5 cm fibroma within rectus abdominis muscle. Procedure: Mass excised from midline rectus sheath.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abdominal mass removed.
Good Documentation Example
5 cm mass excised from right lower quadrant, superficial to rectus sheath.
Explanation
The good example specifies the size, location, and anatomical layer, which are critical for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Abdominal Wall Mass? Ask your questions below.

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