ICD-10 Coding for Acute Costovertebral Angle Tenderness(R10.9, N10, N20.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Costovertebral Angle Tenderness. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Costovertebral Angle Tenderness
R10-R19Primary Range
Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
Includes codes for abdominal and flank pain, which are relevant for CVA tenderness.
Renal tubulo-interstitial diseases
Includes codes for pyelonephritis and other kidney-related conditions that may present with CVA tenderness.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R10.9 | Unspecified abdominal pain | Use when flank pain or CVA tenderness is present without a confirmed diagnosis. |
|
| N10 | Acute pyelonephritis | Use when pyelonephritis is confirmed with clinical and laboratory findings. |
|
| N20.0 | Calculus of kidney | Use when a kidney stone is confirmed via imaging. |
|
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 acute costovertebral angle tenderness
Essential facts and insights about Acute Costovertebral Angle Tenderness
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute costovertebral angle
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of flank pain without specific diagnosis
documentation Criteria
- Lack of specific diagnosis such as pyelonephritis or kidney stones
Applicable To
- Flank pain
- CVA tenderness without specific diagnosis
Excludes
- Specific conditions like pyelonephritis or kidney stones
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented flank pain or CVA tenderness without a specific diagnosis
Code-Specific Risks
- Overuse when specific conditions are diagnosed
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'costovertebral angle tenderness' to avoid confusion with cerebrovascular accident.
N10 - Acute pyelonephritis
Use when pyelonephritis is confirmed with clinical and laboratory findings.
Applicable To
- CVA tenderness with fever and positive urine culture
Excludes
- Chronic pyelonephritis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Fever >38°C
- Positive urine culture (≥10^5 CFU/mL)
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation links CVA tenderness to pyelonephritis findings.
N20.0 - Calculus of kidney
Use when a kidney stone is confirmed via imaging.
Applicable To
- CVA tenderness with CT-confirmed kidney stone
Excludes
- Calculus of ureter
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT imaging confirming kidney stone
- Presence of hematuria
Coding Notes
Ensure imaging confirms stone presence before coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B96.2Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Right upper quadrant pain
R10.11Low back pain
M54.5Cystitis, unspecified
N30.90Calculus of ureter
N20.1Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Costovertebral Angle Tenderness to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R10.9.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on importance of detailed documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: May result in compliance issues with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records and data reporting.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'costovertebral angle' to avoid confusion.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Reduces specificity and accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Query provider for confirmation of specific conditions like pyelonephritis or kidney stones.
Impact
Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.
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 Acute Costovertebral Angle Tenderness, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Costovertebral Angle Tenderness
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Costovertebral Angle Tenderness. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute pyelonephritis diagnosis
Specialty: Primary CareRequired Elements
- CVA tenderness
- Fever documentation
- Urine culture results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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