ICD-10 Coding for Left Flank Pain(R10.812, N20.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Flank Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Left Flank Pain
R10-R19Primary Range
Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
This range includes codes for abdominal and flank pain, which are relevant for documenting left flank pain when no definitive diagnosis is established.
Calculus of kidney and ureter
This range is used when left flank pain is due to kidney stones or related conditions, providing a more specific diagnosis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R10.812 | Left flank pain | Use when the patient presents with left flank pain without a confirmed diagnosis like kidney stones. |
|
| N20.0 | Calculus of kidney | Use when a kidney stone is confirmed as the cause of the pain. |
|
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 flank pain
Essential facts and insights about Left Flank Pain
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left flank pain
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Pain localized to the left flank without definitive diagnosis.
Applicable To
- Pain in left flank
Excludes
- Pain due to confirmed kidney stone (N20.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Patient reports localized pain in the left flank area.
- No definitive diagnosis established through imaging or labs.
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if a more specific diagnosis is available.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'left' to avoid using unspecified codes.
N20.0 - Calculus of kidney
Use when a kidney stone is confirmed as the cause of the pain.
Applicable To
- Kidney stone
Excludes
- Pain not due to kidney stone (R10.812)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging confirms kidney stone presence.
- Patient presents with symptoms consistent with renal colic.
Coding Notes
Ensure imaging or lab results confirm the presence of a stone.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Flank Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R10.812.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to unspecified coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Always ask and document the specific side of the pain.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use R10.812 for left flank pain when laterality is specified.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.
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 Flank Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Left Flank Pain
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Flank Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Visit for Flank Pain
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Chief Complaint
- History of Present Illness
- Physical Examination
- Assessment and Plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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