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ICD-10 Coding for Sternal Pain(R07.2, M94.0)

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

Also known as:

Retrosternal PainSubsternal PainPrecordial Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sternal Pain

R07.1-R07.9Primary Range

Chest Pain

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

Costochondritis

This code is used when sternal pain is due to costochondritis.

Sternal Fracture

Used for traumatic sternal pain with confirmed fracture.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R07.2Precordial PainUse for isolated sternal pain without confirmed etiology.
  • Reproducible tenderness on palpation
  • Normal EKG and troponin levels
M94.0Chondrocostal Junction Syndrome [Tietze]Use when sternal pain is due to costochondritis.
  • Tenderness at costosternal junction
  • Pain worsens with palpation

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 sternal pain

Essential facts and insights about Sternal Pain

The ICD-10 code for sternal pain is R07.2, used for precordial or retrosternal pain without a confirmed etiology.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sternal pain

Precordial Pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized to sternum with normal cardiac workup.

Applicable To

  • Retrosternal pain
  • Substernal discomfort

Excludes

  • Cardiac chest pain

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Reproducible tenderness on palpation
  • Normal EKG and troponin levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as cardiac pain

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation excludes cardiac causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic Pain

G89.29
Use if pain persists for more than 3 months.

Differential Codes

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

Chest Pain on Breathing

R07.1
Use when pain is specifically associated with breathing.

Precordial Pain

R07.2
Use R07.2 if no specific costosternal tenderness is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sternal Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R07.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Increases audit risk., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on detailed documentation., Use templates for consistency.

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 R07.2 for more specific sternal pain coding.

Impact

Using unspecified codes like R07.9 increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific codes like R07.2.

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

Documentation Templates for Sternal Pain

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

Acute Sternal Pain in Emergency Department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of Present Illness
  • Physical Examination
  • Diagnostic Tests

Example Documentation

Patient presents with sharp retrosternal pain, normal EKG, and negative troponin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has chest pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports sharp retrosternal pain, 7/10, worsened by deep breathing.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and characteristics of the pain.

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

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