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ICD-10 Coding for Right-Sided Abdominal Pain(R10.11, R10.31)

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

Also known as:

Right Abdomen PainRight Flank Painright abdominal painpain right abdomen

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right-Sided Abdominal Pain

R10-R19Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

This range includes codes for abdominal pain, including specific quadrants.

Diseases of appendix

Includes codes for appendicitis, which may present with right-sided abdominal pain.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R10.11Right upper quadrant painUse when pain is localized to the right upper quadrant without a confirmed diagnosis.
  • Physical exam showing RUQ tenderness
  • Negative imaging for specific etiology
R10.31Right lower quadrant painUse when pain is localized to the right lower quadrant without a confirmed diagnosis.
  • Physical exam showing RLQ tenderness
  • Negative imaging for appendicitis

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 right sided abdominal pain

Essential facts and insights about Right-Sided Abdominal Pain

The ICD-10 code for right upper quadrant pain is R10.11, and for right lower quadrant pain, it is R10.31.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right sided abd pain

Right upper quadrant pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to right upper quadrant with no definitive diagnosis.

Applicable To

  • Pain in right upper abdomen

Excludes

  • Pain in right lower quadrant (R10.31)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam showing RUQ tenderness
  • Negative imaging for specific etiology

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using without proper localization

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'right upper quadrant' to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Right upper quadrant tenderness

R10.811
Use alongside R10.11 when tenderness is documented.

Right lower quadrant tenderness

R10.813
Use alongside R10.31 when tenderness is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis

K80.20
Confirmed by ultrasound showing gallstones.

Acute appendicitis

K35.2
Confirmed by imaging showing appendiceal inflammation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right-Sided Abdominal Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R10.11.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Include all relevant symptoms in the documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces specificity and accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the quadrant (RUQ or RLQ) in documentation.

Impact

Risk of using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the exact location of pain.

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

Documentation Templates for Right-Sided Abdominal Pain

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

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Character and severity
  • Associated symptoms
  • Physical exam findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with sharp RLQ pain, 8/10, worsened by movement, with rebound tenderness.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has abdominal pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sharp RLQ pain, 8/10, with rebound tenderness.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location, character, and associated findings.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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