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ICD-10 Coding for Diffuse Abdominal Pain(R10.84)

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

Also known as:

Generalized Abdominal PainNon-specific Abdominal Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Diffuse Abdominal Pain

R10.0-R10.9Primary Range

Abdominal and pelvic pain

This range includes codes for different types of abdominal pain, including diffuse abdominal pain.

Diseases of appendix

These codes are used when appendicitis is diagnosed, which can present with abdominal pain.

Diverticular disease of intestine

Used when diverticulitis is diagnosed, which can also present with abdominal pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for diffuse abdominal pain

Essential facts and insights about Diffuse Abdominal Pain

The ICD-10 code for diffuse abdominal pain is R10.84, used when pain is generalized and no specific diagnosis is found.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for diffuse abd pain

Generalized abdominal pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain is described as generalized or diffuse.

documentation Criteria

  • No specific diagnosis or localized tenderness documented.

Applicable To

  • Diffuse abdominal pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of pain as 'generalized' or 'diffuse'
  • No localized tenderness or specific diagnosis found
  • Negative imaging for localized pathology

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of incorrect coding if pain is not documented as 'generalized'.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'generalized' to avoid defaulting to R10.9.

Ancillary Codes

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

Appendicitis

K35-K37
Use when appendicitis is confirmed as the cause of abdominal pain.

Diverticulitis

K57
Use when diverticulitis is confirmed as the cause of abdominal pain.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified abdominal pain

R10.9
Use R10.9 when the location of pain is not specified as 'generalized'.

Acute abdomen

R10.0
Use R10.0 for acute abdomen with peritoneal signs.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Diffuse Abdominal Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R10.84.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to potential misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement due to wrong DRG assignment.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on importance of specifying pain type., Use templates that prompt for specific descriptors.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly states 'generalized' or 'diffuse' abdominal pain.

Impact

Risk of audits if documentation does not specify 'generalized' pain.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks for specificity.

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

Documentation Templates for Diffuse Abdominal Pain

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

Emergency Department Visit for Abdominal Pain

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Pain description as 'generalized' or 'diffuse'
  • Associated symptoms
  • Imaging and lab results
  • Clinical assessment

Example Documentation

Patient presents with generalized abdominal pain, rated 6/10, with nausea. CT abdomen negative for acute pathology.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abdominal pain, workup pending.
Good Documentation Example
Generalized abdominal pain without peritoneal signs. CT abdomen negative for focal pathology.
Explanation
The good example specifies 'generalized' pain and includes imaging results, supporting the use of R10.84.

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

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