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ICD-10 Coding for Left Upper Quadrant Pain(R10.12)

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

Also known as:

LUQ PainLeft Upper Abdominal Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Upper Quadrant Pain

R10.0-R10.9Primary Range

Abdominal and pelvic pain

This range includes codes for various types of abdominal pain, including left upper quadrant pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left upper quadrant pain

Essential facts and insights about Left Upper Quadrant Pain

The ICD-10 code for left upper quadrant pain is R10.12, used when the pain is localized to the LUQ without a specific diagnosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left upper quadrant

Left upper quadrant pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to the left upper quadrant without a specific diagnosis

Applicable To

  • Localized pain in the left upper quadrant

Excludes

  • Pain due to specific conditions like pancreatitis or splenic infarction

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient reports pain localized to the left upper quadrant
  • Physical examination confirms tenderness in the LUQ

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if a more specific diagnosis is available

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and characteristics of the pain.

Ancillary Codes

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

Rebound tenderness

R10.83
Use when physical exam reveals rebound tenderness in the LUQ.

Differential Codes

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

Acute pancreatitis, unspecified

K85.9
Use when imaging or labs confirm pancreatitis as the cause of LUQ pain.

Sickle-cell crisis with splenic sequestration

D57.02
Use when LUQ pain is associated with sickle cell crisis and splenic involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Upper Quadrant Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R10.12.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on detailed documentation practices, Use templates to guide thorough documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use the specific code for the diagnosed condition, such as K85.9 for pancreatitis.

Impact

Frequent use of unspecified codes like R10.12 can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Encourage detailed documentation and use of specific codes whenever 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 Left Upper Quadrant Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Upper Quadrant Pain

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

Emergency Department Visit for LUQ Pain

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Diagnostic test results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

45F with sudden-onset LUQ pain (8/10), radiates to left shoulder. Nausea x2 episodes. No recent trauma.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
LUQ pain, ?cause.
Good Documentation Example
Colicky LUQ pain x 6 hours, worsening after meals. UA shows hematuria. CT reveals left ureteral stone.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain and diagnostic findings, allowing for accurate coding.

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

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

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