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ICD-10 Coding for Chest Discomfort(R07.89, R07.1)

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

Also known as:

Chest PainThoracic PainPleuritic Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chest Discomfort

R07.1-R07.9Primary Range

Chest pain codes including pleuritic and unspecified chest pain

These codes cover various types of chest pain, including pleuritic and unspecified, which are commonly used in clinical settings.

Ischemic heart diseases including angina and myocardial infarction

This range is relevant for differentiating cardiac-related chest discomfort, such as angina or myocardial infarction.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R07.89Other chest painUse when chest pain is determined to be non-cardiac after ruling out cardiac causes.
  • Pain reproducible on palpation
  • Worsened by movement
  • Absence of cardiac biomarkers
R07.1Chest pain on breathingUse when chest pain is linked to respiratory movements, such as pleuritic pain.
  • Pain worsens with deep inspiration
  • Pleural rub on auscultation

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 chest discomfort

Essential facts and insights about Chest Discomfort

The ICD-10 code for chest discomfort includes R07.89 for other chest pain and I20.9 for unspecified angina, depending on clinical findings.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chest discomfort

Other chest pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain is reproducible on palpation and worsens with movement.

Applicable To

  • Non-cardiac chest pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain reproducible on palpation
  • Worsened by movement
  • Absence of cardiac biomarkers

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if cardiac causes are not thoroughly excluded.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure thorough documentation to differentiate non-cardiac from cardiac pain.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of nicotine dependence

Z87.891
Use to indicate risk factors associated with chest pain.

Differential Codes

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

Angina pectoris, unspecified

I20.9
Use when chest pain is substernal, relieved by rest, and associated with exertion.

Pneumonia, unspecified organism

J18.9
Use when chest pain is associated with respiratory infection symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chest Discomfort to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R07.89.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for documentation., Ensure thorough clinical evaluation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to non-specific coding., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data for patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like R07.89 or I20.9 when detailed documentation is available.

Impact

High risk of audit for using unspecified codes when specific documentation exists.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes and ensure thorough documentation.

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 Chest Discomfort, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chest Discomfort

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

Emergency Department Chest Pain Evaluation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Character of pain
  • Radiation
  • Associated symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient presents with substernal chest pain, described as crushing, radiating to left arm, associated with nausea.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has chest pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports substernal chest pain, described as sharp, worsens with deep breaths, no radiation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding and clinical assessment.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chest Discomfort? Ask your questions below.

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