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ICD-10 Coding for Chest Tightness(R07.89, R07.9)

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

Also known as:

Chest PressureThoracic Discomfort

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chest Tightness

R07.1-R07.9Primary Range

Pain in throat and chest

This range includes codes for various types of chest pain, including chest tightness.

Ischemic heart diseases

Relevant when chest tightness is due to cardiac causes like angina.

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 tightness is non-cardiac and specific causes like musculoskeletal pain are documented.
  • Normal troponin levels
  • Non-ischemic ECG findings
R07.9Chest pain, unspecifiedUse when chest pain is present but not further specified.
  • Lack of specific diagnostic findings

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 tightness

Essential facts and insights about Chest Tightness

The ICD-10 code for chest tightness is R07.89, used for non-cardiac chest pain.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chest tightness

Other chest pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of normal cardiac biomarkers

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of non-cardiac symptoms

Applicable To

  • Chest tightness
  • Non-cardiac chest pain

Excludes

  • Angina pectoris (I20.-)
  • Myocardial infarction (I21.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Normal troponin levels
  • Non-ischemic ECG findings

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if cardiac cause is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies non-cardiac origin to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for observation for other suspected diseases and conditions ruled out

Z03.89
Use when chest tightness is observed but not confirmed as cardiac.

Differential Codes

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

Angina pectoris, unspecified

I20.9
Use when chest tightness is due to cardiac ischemia.

Chest pain on breathing

R07.1
Use when pain is pleuritic in nature.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chest Tightness 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 result in misdiagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of symptoms and diagnostic findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the type of chest pain to use R07.89 or other specific codes.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code used.

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

Documentation Templates for Chest Tightness

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

Non-cardiac chest tightness in emergency department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • HPI with symptom description
  • Physical exam findings
  • Diagnostic test results

Example Documentation

47yo F c/o 'band-like' tightness x20min, constricting, 6/10, no radiation, onset while watching TV, worsens with deep breathing, relieved by sitting forward.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of chest tightness.
Good Documentation Example
Patient describes substernal pressure lasting 15 minutes, radiating to left jaw, relieved by rest.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details that allow for accurate coding.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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