Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for General Abdominal Pain(R10.84)

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

Also known as:

Diffuse Abdominal PainNon-specific Abdominal Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to General Abdominal Pain

R10.0-R10.9Primary Range

Codes for abdominal and pelvic pain

This range includes codes for various types of abdominal pain, including generalized and localized pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for general abdominal pain

Essential facts and insights about General Abdominal Pain

The ICD-10 code for general abdominal pain is R10.84, used for non-specific, diffuse abdominal pain without a definitive diagnosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for general abdominal pain

Generalized abdominal pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain is diffuse and non-localized

coding Criteria

  • No specific diagnosis is available

documentation Criteria

  • Negative imaging and normal labs

Applicable To

  • Diffuse abdominal pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of non-localized pain
  • Negative imaging results
  • Normal lab findings

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using R10.84 when a more specific diagnosis is available
  • Not following Excludes1 note with R10.0

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the non-localized nature of the pain and excludes acute abdomen.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute abdomen

R10.0
Use when severe generalized pain requires emergent evaluation.

Differential Codes

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

Acute abdomen

R10.0
Use R10.0 for severe, sudden pain indicating an emergency.

Acute appendicitis

K35.2
Use K35.2 when appendicitis is confirmed by imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting General Abdominal Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R10.84.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific descriptors for pain, Document diagnostic test results

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement if a more specific code is applicable., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough diagnostic workup to identify specific conditions.

Impact

Risk of audit if R10.84 is used without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of pain characteristics and diagnostic results.

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

Documentation Templates for General Abdominal Pain

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

Patient with non-specific abdominal pain

Specialty: General Practice

Required Elements

  • Pain location
  • Pain severity
  • Associated symptoms
  • Diagnostic findings

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abdominal pain present. Treat with meds.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports 5/10 constant, non-radiating generalized abdominal pain x3 days. Denies rebound tenderness. CT abdomen/pelvis negative for acute pathology. Pain management initiated with acetaminophen.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain and diagnostic findings, supporting the use of R10.84.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for General Abdominal Pain? 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