Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Right Finger Pain(M79.644)

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

Also known as:

Pain in Right FingerRight Hand Finger Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Finger Pain

M79.6Primary Range

Pain in limb

This range includes codes for pain in specific limbs, including fingers.

Pain, not elsewhere classified

Used for pain management scenarios where pain is the primary focus of treatment.

Injuries to the wrist, hand and fingers

Relevant for traumatic injuries to the fingers, which may cause pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right finger pain

Essential facts and insights about Right Finger Pain

The ICD-10 code for unspecified right finger pain is M79.644, used when pain is not due to a specific injury or joint disorder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right finger pain

Pain in right finger(s)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to the right finger without evidence of fracture or joint disorder

coding Criteria

  • No specific injury or joint disorder identified

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of pain characteristics and negative findings for other conditions

Applicable To

  • Unspecified pain in right finger

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented pain in right finger without specific injury or joint disorder
  • Negative imaging for fractures or joint abnormalities

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of incorrect coding if underlying cause is not ruled out

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly differentiates between general finger pain and pain due to specific conditions like fractures or joint disorders.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute pain due to trauma

G89.11
Use when the encounter is primarily for pain management due to trauma.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in joints of right hand

M25.541
Use when pain is specifically in the joints of the right hand.

Fracture of finger(s)

S62.5-
Use when there is a confirmed fracture in the finger.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Finger Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M79.644.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for pain documentation., Ensure thorough clinical assessments are documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use the appropriate injury code (e.g., S62.5- for fractures).

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of pain management codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure G89 codes are sequenced first when pain management is the primary focus.

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 Right Finger Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Finger Pain

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

Chronic right finger pain evaluation

Specialty: Rheumatology

Required Elements

  • Pain onset and duration
  • Pain characteristics (sharp, throbbing)
  • Aggravating and alleviating factors
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging and lab results

Example Documentation

Patient reports chronic sharp pain in the right index finger for 3 months, worsened by typing. Physical exam shows tenderness at the DIP joint. X-ray negative for fracture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right finger pain.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic sharp pain in right index finger, worsened by typing, tenderness at DIP joint, X-ray negative.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain and negative findings, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Finger 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