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ICD-10 Coding for Axillary Pain(M25.512, G54.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Axillary Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Underarm PainArmpit Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Axillary Pain

M25.51-M25.519Primary Range

Pain in joint, shoulder region

Covers musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder region, including axillary pain.

Brachial plexus disorders

Used for axillary neuropathy, a neurological cause of axillary pain.

Pain, not elsewhere classified

Used for acute or chronic pain management scenarios.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M25.512Pain in left shoulderUse for musculoskeletal axillary pain, especially when related to shoulder movement.
  • Reduced range of motion in shoulder
  • Tenderness over axillary region
G54.0Brachial plexus disordersUse for confirmed neurological causes of axillary pain.
  • EMG showing axillary nerve dysfunction
  • Weakness in deltoid muscle

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 axillary pain

Essential facts and insights about Axillary Pain

The ICD-10 code for musculoskeletal axillary pain is M25.51-, while axillary neuropathy is coded as G54.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for axillary pain

Pain in left shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain worsens with shoulder movement

Applicable To

  • Musculoskeletal axillary pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Reduced range of motion in shoulder
  • Tenderness over axillary region

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality can lead to coding errors.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is specified to avoid unspecified coding.

Differential Codes

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

Brachial plexus disorders

G54.0
Use when EMG confirms axillary nerve dysfunction.

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use when pain is musculoskeletal and related to movement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Axillary Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M25.512.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the suspected or confirmed cause of pain., Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure to specify laterality with M25.512 or M25.511.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on ICD-10 updates and specificity requirements.

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 Axillary Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Axillary Pain

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Axillary Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic axillary pain evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient reports chronic left axillary pain, 8/10 on VAS, worsens with overhead activities. Physical exam reveals tenderness over axillary fold, limited abduction.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has axillary pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with chronic left axillary pain, 8/10 VAS, exacerbated by arm abduction. Physical exam shows tenderness over axillary fold.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on pain characteristics and physical findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Axillary Pain? Ask your questions below.

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