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ICD-10 Coding for Chest Pain(R07.1, R07.2, R07.89)

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

Also known as:

Thoracic PainPrecordial PainAnterior Chest Wall Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chest Pain

R07.1-R07.9Primary Range

Pain in throat and chest

This range covers various types of chest pain, including unspecified and specific types like precordial pain.

Ischemic heart diseases

This range includes codes for angina and myocardial infarction, which are important differential diagnoses for chest pain.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R07.1Chest pain on breathingUse when chest pain is specifically worsened by breathing.
  • Pain reproducible with respiration
  • CXR showing pleural effusion
R07.2Precordial painUse for pain localized to the precordial area.
  • Substernal pressure radiating to jaw or arm
R07.89Other chest painUse for specified types of chest pain not covered elsewhere.
  • Localized tenderness, no cardiac biomarkers

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 chest pain

Essential facts and insights about Chest Pain

The ICD-10 code for unspecified chest pain is R07.9, with specific codes like R07.1 for pain on breathing.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chest pain

Chest pain on breathing
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain worsens with deep breaths or coughing.

Applicable To

  • Pleuritic pain

Excludes

  • Pain due to angina (I20.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain reproducible with respiration
  • CXR showing pleural effusion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not clearly documented as pleuritic.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the respiratory nature of the pain.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal EKG

R94.31
Use when EKG shows abnormalities alongside chest pain.

Acute myocardial infarction, unspecified

I21.9
Use if MI is confirmed alongside precordial pain.

Myalgia

M79.1
Use if musculoskeletal pain is suspected.

Differential Codes

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

Precordial pain

R07.2
Use R07.2 for pain localized to the heart region, not specifically related to breathing.

Angina pectoris, unspecified

I20.9
Use I20.9 if pain is due to cardiac ischemia.

Chest pain, unspecified

R07.9
Use R07.9 when no specific type of chest pain is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chest Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R07.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increased risk of audit failure., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train clinicians on detailed documentation., Use structured templates for HPI.

Impact

Reimbursement: Lower DRG weights for unspecified codes., Compliance: Potential for audit issues due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the type and location of chest pain.

Impact

Frequent use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

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

Documentation Templates for Chest Pain

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

Emergency Department presentation with chest pain

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Quality and severity
  • Radiation
  • Timing and duration
  • Aggravating and relieving factors
  • Associated symptoms

Example Documentation

CC: 45yo M with substernal pressure (8/10) radiating to jaw x 40min. HPI: Worse with walking stairs, improves with rest. Associated diaphoresis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports chest pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sharp, reproducible left anterior chest wall pain (7/10) worsening with deep inspiration x 3 hours, no radiation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain's characteristics and associated factors, allowing for more accurate coding.

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

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

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