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ICD-10 Coding for Musculoskeletal Chest Pain(R07.89, M79.1)

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

Also known as:

Non-cardiac chest painChest wall paincostochondritis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

R07.1-R07.9Primary Range

Chest pain codes

This range includes codes for various types of chest pain, including musculoskeletal chest pain.

Myalgia

This code is used for muscle pain, which can be associated with musculoskeletal chest pain.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R07.89Other chest painUse when chest pain is determined to be musculoskeletal in origin and other causes are ruled out.
  • Tenderness on palpation
  • Pain reproducible with movement
  • Negative cardiac workup
M79.1MyalgiaUse when muscle pain is a significant component of the chest pain.
  • Presence of muscle tenderness
  • Trigger points identified

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 musculoskeletal chest pain

Essential facts and insights about Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

The ICD-10 code for musculoskeletal chest pain is R07.89, used for chest pain of musculoskeletal origin.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for musculoskeletal chest pain

Other chest pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain reproducible on palpation and movement

documentation Criteria

  • Negative cardiac workup documented

Applicable To

  • Musculoskeletal chest pain
  • Non-cardiac chest pain

Excludes

  • Cardiac chest pain
  • Pulmonary chest pain

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Tenderness on palpation
  • Pain reproducible with movement
  • Negative cardiac workup

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if cardiac causes are not ruled out

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly indicates musculoskeletal origin to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in thoracic spine

M54.6
Use when pain radiates from the thoracic spine to the chest.

Differential Codes

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

Angina pectoris, unspecified

I20.9
Angina is typically relieved by rest or nitroglycerin, unlike musculoskeletal pain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Musculoskeletal Chest Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R07.89.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Increases audit risk., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document negative cardiac findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R07.89 when musculoskeletal origin is confirmed.

Impact

Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like R07.89 when applicable.

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 Musculoskeletal Chest Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

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

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Diagnostic test results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with sharp left anterior chest pain, reproducible with palpation. Normal EKG and troponin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chest pain, non-specific.
Good Documentation Example
Sharp pain localized to left parasternal region, reproducible with palpation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific localization and reproducibility, supporting a musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Musculoskeletal Chest Pain? Ask your questions below.

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

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