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ICD-10 Coding for Right Hand Pain(M79.641)

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

Also known as:

Pain in Right HandRight Hand Discomfort

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Hand Pain

M79.60-M79.69Primary Range

Other specified soft tissue disorders

This range includes codes for pain in specific body parts, including the right hand.

Pain, not elsewhere classified

This range is used for pain management scenarios, especially when pain is the primary focus of the encounter.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right hand pain

Essential facts and insights about Right Hand Pain

The ICD-10 code for right hand pain is M79.641, used for unspecified pain localized to the right hand.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right hand pain

Pain in right hand
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to the right hand without specific diagnosis

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific underlying condition documentation

Applicable To

  • Unspecified right hand pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Negative X-ray or EMG
  • Localized tenderness in the hand

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of denial if used without supporting documentation of pain location and duration.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location, duration, and any associated symptoms of the pain.

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 the encounter is primarily for pain management following trauma.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in right finger(s)

M25.541
Use if pain is specifically in the fingers rather than the hand.

Primary osteoarthritis of right hand

M19.041
Use if osteoarthritis is confirmed as the cause of the pain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Hand Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.641.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed pain assessment tools., Train staff on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M65.831 for De Quervain's tenosynovitis instead.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of pain specifics can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive pain assessments are documented.

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

Documentation Templates for Right Hand Pain

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

Orthopedic Evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Pain location and description
  • Onset and duration
  • Physical exam findings
  • Diagnostic tests results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute right hand pain following a fall. X-ray shows no fracture. Tenderness over the thenar eminence.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right hand pain.
Good Documentation Example
Acute right hand pain post-fall, tenderness over thenar eminence, X-ray negative.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain, its cause, and diagnostic results.

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

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