Back to HomeBeta

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

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

Also known as:

Diffuse Abdominal PainNon-specific Abdominal Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Generalized Abdominal Pain

R10.0-R10.9Primary Range

Abdominal and pelvic pain

This range includes codes for various types of abdominal pain, with R10.84 being specific for generalized abdominal pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for generalized abdominal pain

Essential facts and insights about Generalized Abdominal Pain

R10.84 is the ICD-10 code for generalized abdominal pain, used when pain is diffuse with no localized tenderness and negative workup.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for generalized abd pain

Generalized abdominal pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain affects more than two abdominal quadrants with no localized tenderness.

documentation Criteria

  • Negative imaging and laboratory results documented.

Applicable To

  • Diffuse abdominal pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Negative imaging studies (e.g., CT, ultrasound)
  • Normal laboratory tests (e.g., CBC, amylase)
  • Absence of localized tenderness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using R10.9 for unspecified abdominal pain when R10.84 is more appropriate.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure thorough documentation of negative findings and absence of acute symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic pain

G89.3
Use when chronic pain management is a focus of treatment.

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 documentation does not specify the nature or location of the abdominal pain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Generalized 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 misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of pain characteristics., Include negative test results.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Risk of audit failure due to incorrect coding., Data Quality: Impacts data accuracy and quality for clinical studies.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies generalized pain and negative workup.

Impact

Using R10.9 instead of R10.84 for generalized pain.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements for R10.84.

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

Documentation Templates for Generalized Abdominal Pain

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

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Diagnostic test results
  • Differential diagnosis

Example Documentation

Patient presents with generalized abdominal pain for 3 months, no localized tenderness. CT scan negative.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has belly pain.
Good Documentation Example
Generalized abdominal pain for 3 months, no localized tenderness, CT scan negative.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details and negative findings, supporting the use of R10.84.

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

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more