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R10.84
ICD-10-CM
Generalized Abdominal Pain

Find information on generalized abdominal pain diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 R10.4, R10.9), differential diagnosis, and healthcare resources. Learn about common symptoms, associated conditions, and best practices for documenting and coding generalized abdominal pain for accurate reimbursement and patient care. Explore resources for healthcare professionals related to evaluating and managing abdominal pain, unspecified.

Also known as

Diffuse Abdominal Pain
Non-specific Abdominal Pain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Diffuse pain across the abdomen without a clear localized source.
  • Clinical Signs : Nausea, bloating, discomfort, altered bowel habits, tenderness to palpation.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, urgent care, gastroenterology, emergency room.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R10.84 Coding
R10.4

Generalized abdominal pain

Diffuse pain throughout the abdomen.

R10.0-R10.9

Symptoms and signs involving abdomen and pelvis

Encompasses various abdominal symptoms, including pain.

R10.84

Other specified abdominal pain

Used for abdominal pain not classified elsewhere.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the abdominal pain localized?

  • Yes

    Do NOT code as generalized abdominal pain. Further evaluation required to determine specific location and etiology.

  • No

    Is the pain associated with any other symptoms?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Generalized abdominal pain
Unspecified abdominal pain
Functional abdominal pain

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Generalized abdominal pain: Onset, duration, character
  • Location, radiation of abdominal pain documented
  • Associated symptoms (nausea, vomiting, etc.)
  • Severity of pain (e.g., mild, moderate, severe)
  • Physical exam findings (e.g., tenderness, distension)

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document specific pain location, not just "generalized."
  • Rule out other diagnoses with thorough exams and testing.
  • Code to highest specificity, avoid unspecified abdominal pain codes (R10.4).
  • Query physician for clarification if documentation is unclear.
  • Ensure medical necessity for all tests and procedures ordered for compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Rule out life-threatening causes (AAA, MI, ectopic)
  • Document pain onset, location, character, radiation
  • Review labs: CBC, CMP, urinalysis, consider lipase
  • Assess for rebound tenderness, guarding, rigidity
  • Consider imaging if diagnosis unclear (CT, ultrasound)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Generalized Abdominal Pain: ICD-10 R10.4, optimize coding for accurate reimbursement.
  • Coding accuracy impacts MS-DRG assignment, affecting hospital case mix index.
  • Proper documentation crucial for justifying medical necessity and avoiding denials.
  • Accurate coding supports quality reporting initiatives and data analysis for abdominal pain.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • R/O serious causes, document specifics
  • Unspecified abdominal pain: 789.0
  • Appendicitis, other diagnoses: consider 789.0
  • Location matters: upper, lower, diffuse impacts codes
  • 789.0 if localized pain lacks specific diagnosis

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a chief complaint of generalized abdominal pain.  Onset is described as [onset timeframe: e.g., gradual, sudden, intermittent] and has been present for [duration].  Pain quality is characterized as [pain descriptors: e.g., dull, aching, sharp, cramping, burning] and is located diffusely across the abdomen without specific localization.  Patient denies radiation of pain.  Pain severity is reported as [pain scale rating and context: e.g., 5/10 at its worst, interfering with sleep].  Associated symptoms include [list associated symptoms: e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fever, chills, bloating, loss of appetite, indigestion, flatulence].  Patient denies [pertinent negatives: e.g., hematemesis, melena, hematochezia, dysuria, urinary frequency].  Review of systems is otherwise unremarkable.  Physical examination reveals [examination findings: e.g., soft, non-tender abdomen, bowel sounds normoactive, no rebound tenderness or guarding].  Differential diagnosis includes gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, functional abdominal pain, and other potential etiologies.  Diagnostic workup may include [diagnostic tests: e.g., complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, urinalysis, abdominal X-ray, CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis].  Initial treatment plan includes [treatment plan: e.g., symptomatic management with antiemetics, over-the-counter pain relievers, dietary modifications, hydration].  Patient education provided regarding [patient education topics: e.g., red flag symptoms, follow-up care, importance of hydration].  Follow-up scheduled in [follow-up timeframe] to reassess symptoms and adjust treatment plan as needed.  ICD-10 code R10.84, Generalized abdominal pain, unspecified, is considered.  Medical billing codes for evaluation and management services will be determined based on complexity of the visit.