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ICD-10 Coding for Menstrual Pain(N94.4, N94.5, R10.2)

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

Also known as:

DysmenorrheaMenstrual Cramps

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Menstrual Pain

N94.4-N94.5Primary Range

Dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary

This range covers primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, which are the main conditions associated with menstrual pain.

Pelvic and perineal pain

This code is used for pelvic pain not specifically linked to the menstrual cycle.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N94.4Primary dysmenorrheaUse when menstrual pain occurs without any underlying condition.
  • Normal pelvic exam
  • No structural abnormalities on imaging
N94.5Secondary dysmenorrheaUse when menstrual pain is due to an underlying condition.
  • Biopsy or laparoscopy reports confirming endometriosis, fibroids, or PID
R10.2Pelvic and perineal painUse for pelvic pain not related to the menstrual cycle.
  • Pain diaries showing non-cyclic pattern

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 primary dysmenorrhea

Essential facts and insights about Menstrual Pain

Primary dysmenorrhea is coded as N94.4, indicating menstrual pain without an underlying condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for menstrual pain

Primary dysmenorrhea
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain is cyclic and no organic cause is identified.

Applicable To

  • Cyclic pain without underlying pathology

Excludes

  • Secondary dysmenorrhea (N94.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Normal pelvic exam
  • No structural abnormalities on imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when an underlying condition is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure no underlying condition is present before using this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Right lower quadrant pain

R10.31
Use if specific abdominal pain location is documented.

Endometriosis

N80.0
Use as primary code when endometriosis is the underlying cause.

Differential Codes

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

Secondary dysmenorrhea

N94.5
Presence of an underlying condition such as endometriosis.

Primary dysmenorrhea

N94.4
No underlying condition present.

Other specified conditions associated with female genital organs and menstrual cycle

N94.89
Use for cycle-associated symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Menstrual Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N94.4.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm and document the presence or absence of underlying conditions., Use specific codes based on clinical findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N94.4 or N94.5 based on the presence of an underlying condition.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes and document underlying conditions clearly.

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

Documentation Templates for Menstrual Pain

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

Patient with primary dysmenorrhea

Specialty: OB/GYN

Required Elements

  • Menstrual history
  • Pain characteristics
  • Imaging results
  • Exclusion of underlying conditions

Example Documentation

21yo F with 6-month history of cyclic RLQ pain, worsening 2 days pre-menses. TVUS normal. No endometriosis on laparoscopy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has period pain.
Good Documentation Example
Primary dysmenorrhea: cyclic midline cramping, TVUS unremarkable.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain and confirms no underlying pathology.

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

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