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ICD-10 Coding for Chest Wall Pain(R07.89, R07.82)

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

Also known as:

Anterior Chest Wall PainIntercostal PainMusculoskeletal Chest Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chest Wall Pain

R07.1-R07.9Primary Range

Pain in throat and chest

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

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 localized to the chest wall and not related to cardiac or pleuritic causes.
  • Reproducible pain on palpation
  • Localized tenderness
  • Negative cardiac markers
R07.82Intercostal painUse when pain is localized to intercostal spaces and follows a nerve pattern.
  • Pain follows dermatomal pattern
  • Positive Tinel's sign

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 wall pain

Essential facts and insights about Chest Wall Pain

The ICD-10 code for chest wall pain is R07.89, which includes anterior chest wall pain.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chest wall pain

Other chest pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain is localized and reproducible on palpation.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must exclude cardiac causes.

Applicable To

  • Anterior chest wall pain
  • Musculoskeletal chest pain

Excludes

  • Cardiac chest pain
  • Pleuritic pain

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Reproducible pain on palpation
  • Localized tenderness
  • Negative cardiac markers

Code-Specific Risks

  • Undercoding if not specified as chest wall pain
  • Incorrect use if cardiac cause is suspected

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and reproducibility of pain.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal EKG

R94.31
Use when EKG is performed to rule out cardiac causes.

Differential Codes

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

Chest pain on breathing

R07.1
Use R07.1 when pain is exacerbated by respiration.

Precordial pain

R07.2
Use R07.2 when pain is precordial and cardiac causes are ruled out.

Thoracic radiculopathy

M54.6
Use M54.6 when pain radiates below the costal margin with neurological deficits.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chest Wall Pain 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 inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always perform and document cardiac exclusion tests., Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audits for unspecified coding., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R07.89 or R07.82 when documentation specifies chest wall or intercostal pain.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when documentation supports more specific coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

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

Documentation Templates for Chest Wall Pain

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

Emergency Department Visit for Chest Wall Pain

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Pain location and description
  • Palpation findings
  • Cardiac exclusion tests

Example Documentation

Patient reports sharp anterior chest pain, reproducible on palpation at the 4th ICS. EKG normal, troponin negative.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has chest pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has sharp, localized anterior chest wall pain at 4th ICS, reproducible on palpation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and reproducibility, allowing for accurate coding.

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

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

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