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ICD-10 Coding for Midsternal Chest Pain(R07.2, R07.9)

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

Also known as:

Retrosternal PainSubsternal PainPrecordial Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Midsternal Chest Pain

R07.1-R07.9Primary Range

Pain in throat and chest

This range includes codes for various types of chest pain, including midsternal pain.

Ischemic heart diseases

Relevant for differential diagnosis when chest pain is due to cardiac conditions like angina or myocardial infarction.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R07.2Precordial painUse when documentation specifies 'midsternal,' 'retrosternal,' or 'substernal' pain without a confirmed cardiac diagnosis.
  • Pain localized to central chest behind sternum
  • No confirmed cardiac diagnosis
R07.9Chest pain, unspecifiedUse when documentation lacks specificity regarding the location or nature of the chest pain.
  • Non-specific chest pain without detailed localization

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 midsternal chest pain

Essential facts and insights about Midsternal Chest Pain

The ICD-10 code for midsternal chest pain is R07.2, covering precordial, retrosternal, and substernal pain.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for midsternal chest pain

Precordial pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to midsternal area without cardiac diagnosis

coding Criteria

  • Use R07.2 when documentation specifies 'midsternal' pain

Applicable To

  • Retrosternal pain
  • Substernal pain

Excludes

  • Angina pectoris (I20.-)
  • Myocardial infarction (I21.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain localized to central chest behind sternum
  • No confirmed cardiac diagnosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if underlying cardiac condition is present
  • Incorrect use when more specific codes apply

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and nature of the pain to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified angina pectoris

I20.9
Use if pain is described as 'squeezing' or 'pressure' and relieved by nitroglycerin.

Differential Codes

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

Chest pain on breathing

R07.1
Use R07.1 if pain is specifically associated with breathing.

Pleurodynia

R07.81
Use R07.81 if pain is due to pleuritic causes.

Precordial pain

R07.2
Use R07.2 if pain is specified as midsternal or retrosternal.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Midsternal Chest Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R07.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increased risk of audit and compliance issues., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train providers on the importance of detailed documentation., Use templates to guide thorough documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Increased audit risk, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the location and nature of the pain to use the most specific code.

Impact

Using non-specific codes when more detailed documentation is available.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training sessions for coders and providers on documentation specificity.

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

Documentation Templates for Midsternal Chest Pain

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

Emergency Department Evaluation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Pain location
  • Character of pain
  • Radiation
  • Duration
  • Associated symptoms
  • Cardiac workup results

Example Documentation

LOCATION: Midsternal CHARACTER: Pressure-like RADIATION: Left arm DURATION: 20 minutes unrelieved by rest ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS: Nausea, diaphoresis CARDIAC WORKUP: Troponin 0.02 ng/mL, ST depression in V2-V4 IMPRESSION: Acute coronary syndrome vs. unstable angina

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports chest pain.
Good Documentation Example
Midsternal squeezing pain (7/10 intensity) lasting 15 minutes, radiating to left shoulder blade, associated with diaphoresis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain's location, character, and associated symptoms, allowing for accurate coding.

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

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