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

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

Also known as:

Left Rib Cage PainLeft Thoracic Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left-Sided Rib Pain

R07-R09Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

This range includes codes for chest pain, which encompasses rib pain.

Injuries to the thorax

This range includes codes for traumatic injuries to the ribs.

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 for idiopathic or musculoskeletal left-sided rib pain without confirmed etiology.
  • Exclusion of cardiac and pulmonary causes
  • Pain reproducible on palpation
S22.42XANondisplaced fracture of left ribs, initial encounterUse for confirmed traumatic fractures of the left ribs.
  • Imaging confirmation of fracture
  • Documentation of trauma event

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-sided rib pain

Essential facts and insights about Left-Sided Rib Pain

The ICD-10 code for left-sided rib pain is R07.89, used for non-traumatic rib pain.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for rib pain left side

Other chest pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to left rib area, reproducible on palpation.

documentation Criteria

  • Exclusion of cardiac causes documented.

Applicable To

  • Left-sided rib pain

Excludes

  • Cardiac chest pain
  • Pleuritic pain

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Exclusion of cardiac and pulmonary causes
  • Pain reproducible on palpation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with cardiac-related chest pain

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies left-sided pain and excludes cardiac causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute pain due to trauma

G89.11
Use when pain management is a focus of the encounter.

Traumatic pneumothorax

S27.0XXA
Sequence before rib fracture if both are present.

Differential Codes

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

Chest pain on breathing

R07.1
Use when pain is specifically pleuritic and related to breathing.

Nondisplaced fracture of right ribs, initial encounter

S22.41XA
Use for right-sided rib fractures.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left-Sided 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 misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Triggers coding queries and potential audits., Financial: Can result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that require laterality., Educate clinicians on importance of specificity.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with updated coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data for clinical and research purposes.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use R07.89 for rib pain unless pleuritic.

Impact

Using outdated codes or incorrect sequencing can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Regularly update coding practices and educate staff.

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

Documentation Templates for Left-Sided Rib Pain

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

Primary Care Visit for Rib Pain

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Location and laterality of pain
  • Onset and duration
  • Aggravating and relieving factors
  • Associated symptoms
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with left-sided rib pain, 6/10 on NPRS, worsened by deep breathing. No trauma reported. CXR negative.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rib pain, will order imaging.
Good Documentation Example
Left 8th-9th rib pain x3 days, 6/10 NPRS, reproducible on spring test. CXR negative. Plan: Rib protection protocol.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, severity, and diagnostic steps, supporting accurate coding.

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

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