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

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

Also known as:

Right Abdominal PainRight Flank PainRight Pelvic Pain

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right-Sided Pain

R10.0-R10.9Primary Range

Abdominal and pelvic pain

This range includes codes for pain localized to specific quadrants of the abdomen, including right-sided pain.

G89.0-G89.9

Pain, not elsewhere classified

This range is used for coding pain management scenarios where pain is the primary focus of treatment.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R10.31Right lower quadrant painUse when the patient presents with pain localized to the right lower quadrant and the cause is not yet determined.
  • Documented RLQ tenderness
  • Imaging confirming etiology
  • Elevated WBC count
R10.11Right upper quadrant painUse when the patient presents with pain localized to the right upper quadrant and the cause is not yet determined.
  • Documented RUQ tenderness
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Imaging confirming etiology

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 lower quadrant pain

Essential facts and insights about Right-Sided Pain

The ICD-10 code for right lower quadrant pain is R10.31, used for localized pain without a definitive diagnosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right sided pain

R10.31
Right lower quadrant pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to the right lower quadrant with no definitive diagnosis yet.

Applicable To

  • Pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen

Excludes

  • Pain due to appendicitis (K35.80)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented RLQ tenderness
  • Imaging confirming etiology
  • Elevated WBC count

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if appendicitis is confirmed but not coded.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the quadrant and any associated symptoms or findings.
View Full Code Details

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 acute pain management is the primary focus of the encounter.

Other acute postprocedural pain

G89.18
Use when managing post-surgical pain in the right upper quadrant.

Differential Codes

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

Generalized abdominal pain

R10.84
Use R10.84 when pain is not localized to a specific quadrant.

Unspecified abdominal pain

R10.9
Use R10.9 when the location of the pain cannot be determined.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right-Sided Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R10.31.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify right or left in documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific quadrant codes like R10.31 or R10.11 when documentation specifies location.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training on coding 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 Right-Sided Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right-Sided Pain

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

Acute Appendicitis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Laboratory results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 24-hour history of RLQ pain, nausea, and vomiting. Exam reveals guarding and rebound tenderness. CT confirms appendicitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has abdominal pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sharp, constant 8/10 pain in RLQ for 24 hours, positive McBurney's sign on exam.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, severity, and associated findings.

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

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