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ICD-10 Coding for Substernal Chest Pain(R07.2)

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

Also known as:

Precordial PainChest Pain Behind Sternum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Substernal Chest Pain

R07-R07.9Primary Range

Pain in throat and chest

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

Ischemic heart diseases

This range includes codes for angina and other ischemic heart diseases that may present with chest pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for substernal chest pain

Essential facts and insights about Substernal Chest Pain

The ICD-10 code for substernal chest pain is R07.2, used when the pain is localized behind the sternum without a specific cardiac diagnosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for substernal chest pain

Precordial pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain localized behind sternum with exertion

coding Criteria

  • No confirmed cardiac diagnosis

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'substernal' in clinical notes

Applicable To

  • Substernal chest pain

Excludes

  • Angina pectoris (I20.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain localized behind the sternum
  • Worsens with exertion
  • Radiates to left arm or jaw

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if underlying cardiac condition is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'substernal' to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for other preprocedural examination

Z01.818
Use for documentation of exercise tests related to chest pain evaluation.

Differential Codes

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

Angina pectoris, unspecified

I20.9
Use when cardiac origin is confirmed with EKG changes or elevated troponin.

Other chest pain

R07.89
Use for non-specific chest pain without substernal localization.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Substernal Chest 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: Misleading clinical data, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'substernal', Verify absence of specific cardiac diagnosis

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure provider documents any related injury explicitly before coding as such.

Impact

Lack of specificity in documentation may lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on detailed documentation practices.

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

Documentation Templates for Substernal Chest Pain

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

Emergency Department Evaluation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Pain onset and duration
  • Pain quality and radiation
  • Associated symptoms (e.g., diaphoresis, nausea)

Example Documentation

Patient reports substernal chest pain onset 2 hours ago, described as pressure, radiating to left arm, associated with nausea.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has chest pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports substernal chest pain, described as pressure, radiating to left arm, onset 2 hours ago.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, quality, and associated symptoms, enhancing clinical clarity.

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

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