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ICD-10 Coding for Left Upper Arm Pain(M79.622)

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

Also known as:

Pain in Left Upper ArmLeft Arm Pain (Upper)

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Upper Arm Pain

M79.6Primary Range

Pain in limb

This range includes codes for pain in specific parts of the limbs, including the upper arm.

Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm

Relevant for traumatic injuries that may cause pain in the upper arm.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left upper arm pain

Essential facts and insights about Left Upper Arm Pain

The ICD-10 code for left upper arm pain is M79.622, used for pain localized to the upper arm without trauma.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left upper arm pain

Pain in left upper arm
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain is localized to the upper arm without trauma.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies 'upper arm' pain.

Applicable To

  • Localized pain in the left upper arm

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain localized to the deltoid/biceps region
  • No history of trauma
  • Normal imaging results

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using this code for shoulder or forearm pain.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'upper arm' to use M79.622.

Ancillary Codes

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

Sprain of left shoulder joint

S43.52XD
Use if there is a confirmed sprain causing the pain.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in left arm, unspecified

M79.602
Use when documentation does not specify upper or lower arm.

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use when pain is located in the shoulder joint.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Upper Arm Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.622.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Could result in coding audits., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Could result in audit findings for incorrect coding., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider to confirm the specific location of the pain.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified arm pain coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'upper arm'.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Upper Arm Pain

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

Chronic left upper arm pain

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Intensity and duration
  • Aggravating and alleviating factors
  • Physical examination findings

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has arm pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports dull ache in left upper arm, 4/10 intensity, exacerbated by lifting.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location and characteristics of the pain.

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

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