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ICD-10 Coding for Left Rib Pain(R07.89, S22.42XA, M94.0)

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

Also known as:

Left-sided rib painPain in left rib cagepain in left rib

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Rib Pain

R07.0-R07.9Primary Range

Pain in throat and chest

This range includes codes for chest pain, including rib pain, which is relevant for left rib pain coding.

Fracture of ribs

This range includes codes for rib fractures, which may be relevant if the left rib pain is due to trauma.

Tietze's disease

This code is used for Tietze syndrome, which can cause left rib pain due to costochondral swelling.

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 documenting non-traumatic left rib pain with specified laterality.
  • Documentation of left-sided rib pain
  • Exclusion of trauma
  • Relation to respiration
S22.42XAFracture of one rib, left side, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of left rib fracture due to trauma.
  • Imaging confirmation of fracture
  • Documentation of trauma mechanism
M94.0Tietze's diseaseUse when left rib pain is due to Tietze syndrome with swelling.
  • Palpable costochondral swelling
  • Pain reproducible on palpation

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 left rib pain

Essential facts and insights about Left Rib Pain

The ICD-10 code for left rib pain is R07.89, applicable for non-traumatic cases with specified laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left rib pain

Other chest pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of localized tenderness and exclusion of trauma.

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of left rib pain and its characteristics.

Applicable To

  • Left rib pain
  • Non-traumatic rib pain

Excludes

  • Rib fracture (S22.-)
  • Tietze syndrome (M94.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of left-sided rib pain
  • Exclusion of trauma
  • Relation to respiration

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified chest pain code R07.9 instead of R07.89.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other chronic pain

G89.29
Use for chronic pain management when left rib pain is persistent.

Pneumothorax, initial encounter

S27.3XXA
Use if pneumothorax is present with rib fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Left upper quadrant abdominal pain

R10.12
Use when pain is referred from the abdomen rather than originating in the ribs.

Other chest pain

R07.89
Use R07.89 for non-traumatic rib pain.

Pleurodynia

R07.81
Use R07.81 for costochondritis without swelling.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Rib 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 incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask and document which side the pain is on.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies rib pain and laterality.

Impact

Risk of using unspecified codes for rib pain.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific details about the pain location and characteristics.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Rib Pain

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

Non-traumatic left rib pain

Specialty: General Practice

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Onset and duration
  • Relation to respiration
  • Exclusion of trauma

Example Documentation

Patient presents with sharp, localized left rib pain at the 8th-9th intercostal space, exacerbated by deep inspiration. No history of trauma reported.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of chest discomfort.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sharp, localized left rib pain, worsened by deep breathing, without any recent trauma.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location, nature, and absence of trauma, which are critical for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Rib Pain? Ask your questions below.

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