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ICD-10 Coding for Epigastric Abdominal Pain(R10.13)

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

Also known as:

Upper Central Abdominal PainStomach Painupper abdominal pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Epigastric Abdominal Pain

R10-R19Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

This range includes codes for abdominal pain, including epigastric pain.

Diseases of esophagus, stomach, and duodenum

Includes conditions like GERD and gastritis, which may present with epigastric pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for epigastric abdominal pain

Essential facts and insights about Epigastric Abdominal Pain

The ICD-10 code for epigastric abdominal pain is R10.13, used for pain localized to the epigastric region without a confirmed diagnosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for epigastric abd pain

Epigastric pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to the epigastric region with no confirmed diagnosis

coding Criteria

  • Use R10.13 only when no definitive diagnosis is available

documentation Criteria

  • Document location, character, duration, and associated symptoms

Applicable To

  • Pain localized to the epigastric region

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient points to epigastrium
  • Pain described as burning, cramping, or stabbing
  • Duration and associated symptoms documented

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with heartburn or generalized abdominal pain

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'epigastric pain' and not vague terms like 'stomach ache'.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

K21.9
Use when GERD is confirmed as the cause of epigastric pain.

Gastritis, unspecified, without bleeding

K29.70
Use when gastritis is confirmed as the cause of epigastric pain.

Differential Codes

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

Heartburn

R12
Use R12 if the pain is described as heartburn with acid reflux.

Acute abdomen

R10.0
Use R10.0 for severe, generalized pain with peritoneal signs.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Epigastric Abdominal Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R10.13.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on specific documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R12 if documentation states 'heartburn'.

Impact

Lack of specificity in documentation can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all required elements are documented clearly.

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

Documentation Templates for Epigastric Abdominal Pain

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

Initial encounter with undifferentiated pain

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Location of pain
  • Character of pain
  • Duration
  • Associated symptoms

Example Documentation

Pt reports severe, burning epigastric pain x 24 hours, rates 8/10. Denies chest pain or hematemesis. Tender to palpation in epigastrium without rebound. Plan: EGD, CBC, lipase.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abd pain, give antacid.
Good Documentation Example
Severe epigastric pain x 6 hours, non-radiating. Temp 100.2°F, tender in epigastrium without rebound. Plan: CT abdomen, lipase, CBC.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain and planned diagnostic tests.

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

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