Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Sequelae of Costovertebral Angle(M54.6, N28.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Sequelae of Costovertebral Angle. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

CVA SequelaeCostovertebral Angle Residual Effects

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sequelae of Costovertebral Angle

M54-M54.6Primary Range

Dorsalgia, including thoracic spine pain

This range includes codes for thoracic spine pain, which is relevant for musculoskeletal sequelae of the costovertebral angle.

Other disorders of kidney and ureter, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for renal sequelae, which may be relevant if the costovertebral angle sequelae are related to past kidney conditions.

Injury of thorax, sequela

This range includes codes for sequelae of thoracic injuries, which may affect the costovertebral angle.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M54.6Pain in thoracic spineUse for chronic thoracic pain with documented costovertebral joint dysfunction.
  • Physical exam showing tenderness at specific thoracic levels
  • Imaging confirming joint dysfunction
N28.9Disorder of kidney and ureter, unspecifiedUse for renal sequelae related to past kidney infections affecting the costovertebral angle.
  • Urinalysis showing abnormalities
  • Imaging indicating renal scarring

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 sequelae of costovertebral angle

Essential facts and insights about Sequelae of Costovertebral Angle

The ICD-10 code for sequelae of costovertebral angle related to thoracic pain is M54.6, while renal sequelae may use N28.9.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sequelae of costovertebral angle

Pain in thoracic spine
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of chronic pain localized to thoracic spine

Applicable To

  • Chronic thoracic pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam showing tenderness at specific thoracic levels
  • Imaging confirming joint dysfunction

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with low back pain codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies thoracic region and links to past injury if applicable.

Ancillary Codes

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

Right upper quadrant pain

R10.11
Use when documenting specific quadrant pain associated with thoracic spine issues.

Left upper quadrant pain

R10.12
Use for pain associated with renal sequelae.

Differential Codes

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

Low back pain

M54.5
Use M54.5 for pain located in the lumbar region, not thoracic.

Acute pyelonephritis

N10
Use N10 for acute infection, not sequelae.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sequelae of Costovertebral Angle to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M54.6.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific anatomical terms, Include detailed patient history

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure context and documentation specify costovertebral angle.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of specific pain location can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed anatomical descriptions and link to past medical history.

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 Sequelae of Costovertebral Angle, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Sequelae of Costovertebral Angle

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Sequelae of Costovertebral Angle. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic Thoracic Pain Post-Injury

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic thoracic pain post rib fracture. Imaging shows malunion at T7.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has CVA pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sharp, localized tenderness at right CVA (T10-T11) exacerbated by deep breathing, 8 months post-rib fracture.
Explanation
The good example specifies location, cause, and exacerbating factors.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Sequelae of Costovertebral Angle? Ask your questions below.

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

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more