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ICD-10 Coding for Left Breast Pain(N64.4, N63.11)

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

Also known as:

MastodyniaNon-cyclical Mastalgia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Breast Pain

N60-N64Primary Range

Disorders of breast

This range includes codes for various breast disorders, including pain and cystic conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N64.4MastodyniaUse when the patient presents with non-specific breast pain without an identifiable mass.
  • Documented breast pain without identifiable mass or structural abnormality
N63.11Unspecified lump in left breastUse when a lump is detected in the left breast.
  • Palpable mass confirmed by physical examination

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 left breast pain

Essential facts and insights about Left Breast Pain

The ICD-10 code for left breast pain is N64.4, used for mastodynia without an identifiable mass.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left breast pain

Mastodynia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of breast pain without mass

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of pain including severity and duration

Applicable To

  • Breast pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented breast pain without identifiable mass or structural abnormality

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documenting the pain's characteristics and duration

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and character of pain.

Ancillary Codes

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

Left breast pain

R07.22
Use when pain is a symptom of another condition, such as post-surgical pain.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified lump in left breast

N63.11
Use when a palpable mass is present with pain.

Mastodynia

N64.4
Use when pain is present without a palpable mass.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Breast Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N64.4.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate pain management, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always include duration in pain assessments, Use standardized pain scales

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use N64.4 for chronic breast pain without identifiable cause.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient detail in pain documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized templates for documenting pain.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Breast Pain

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

Primary Care Progress Note

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Subjective description of pain
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

SUBJECTIVE: 34F c/o left breast pain x3 months. Describes as 'deep ache' (5/10) worsening with arm movement. Denies nipple discharge. Last mammogram 12/2024: BI-RADS 2. OBJECTIVE: Tender 3 cm area at upper inner quadrant L breast. No skin changes/masses. Negative axillary lymph nodes. ASSESSMENT: Non-cyclical mastalgia, left breast (N64.4) PLAN: 1. Diagnostic mammogram + targeted US left breast 2. Trial of evening primrose oil 1,000 mg BID 3. Recommend supportive sports bra

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Breast pain noted.
Good Documentation Example
Left breast pain, non-cyclical, localized tenderness at 2 o'clock position, rated 6/10 on Likert scale.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain's location, severity, and nature, which are essential for accurate coding.

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

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