ICD-10 Coding for Forearm Pain(M79.631, M79.632)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Forearm Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Forearm Pain
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M79.631 | Pain in right forearm | Use when the patient presents with non-specific pain in the right forearm without any identifiable injury. |
|
| M79.632 | Pain in left forearm | Use when the patient presents with non-specific pain in the left forearm without any identifiable injury. |
|
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 right forearm pain
Essential facts and insights about Forearm Pain
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for forearm pain
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Pain localized to the right forearm without trauma history.
Applicable To
- Right forearm pain
Excludes
- Injury to right forearm (S50-S59)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- No fracture or dislocation on imaging
- No neurological deficits
- Negative Tinel’s/Phalen’s tests
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with M79.601 (Pain in right arm)
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented to avoid miscoding.
M79.632 - Pain in left forearm
Use when the patient presents with non-specific pain in the left forearm without any identifiable injury.
Applicable To
- Left forearm pain
Excludes
- Injury to left forearm (S50-S59)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- No fracture or dislocation on imaging
- No neurological deficits
- Negative Tinel’s/Phalen’s tests
Coding Notes
Ensure laterality is documented to avoid miscoding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Forearm Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.631.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always ask and document how the injury occurred., Include detailed patient history in the notes.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality by using M79.631 or M79.632.
Impact
Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement a checklist to ensure laterality is documented in all cases of forearm pain.
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 Forearm Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Forearm Pain
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Forearm Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Non-specific forearm pain in an occupational setting
Specialty: Occupational HealthRequired Elements
- Subjective: Pain description, duration, and aggravating factors.
- Objective: Physical examination findings, including tenderness and range of motion.
- Assessment: Diagnosis with ICD-10 code.
- Plan: Treatment plan and follow-up.
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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