Understanding inguinal lymphadenopathy, swollen lymph nodes in the groin? Find information on causes, diagnosis, and treatment of enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. This resource covers clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (R59.1), medical coding, differential diagnosis, and healthcare guidelines related to inguinal lymph node enlargement. Learn about physical examination findings, lymphadenitis, and relevant medical terminology for accurate clinical documentation and patient care.
Also known as
Localized swelling, lymph nodes inguinal
Swelling confined to lymph nodes in the groin.
Nonspecific lymphadenitis, inguinal
Inflammation of inguinal lymph nodes, cause unspecified.
Lymphadenopathy, localized
Enlarged lymph nodes in a specific area, possibly inguinal.
Other specified enlarged lymph nodes
Lymph node enlargement not classified elsewhere, could be inguinal.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is lymphadenopathy localized to the inguinal region?
Yes
Is there a known cause?
No
Generalized lymphadenopathy?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Swollen groin lymph nodes |
Femoral hernia |
Inguinal hernia |
Coding inguinal lymphadenopathy without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data reporting.
Failing to document the underlying cause of lymphadenopathy (infection, malignancy, etc.) impacts accurate coding, CDI, and quality metrics.
Incorrectly coding localized inguinal lymphadenopathy as generalized lymphadenopathy affects reimbursement and clinical documentation integrity.
Patient presents with a complaint of swollen lymph nodes in the groin, consistent with inguinal lymphadenopathy. Onset of swelling was reported as [Onset - e.g., gradual over several weeks, sudden onset two days ago]. Patient describes the swollen glands as [Description - e.g., tender to the touch, painless, firm, mobile, fixed]. The size of the affected nodes is approximately [Size - e.g., 1 cm, 2-3 cm]. Associated symptoms include [Associated symptoms - e.g., fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, lower extremity rash, genital lesions, abdominal pain]. Patient denies [Denied symptoms - e.g., recent travel, exposure to sick contacts, insect bites in the area]. Physical examination reveals [Physical exam findings - e.g., palpable, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, erythema overlying the affected area, warmth to the touch, no fluctuance]. Differential diagnosis includes infection, inflammatory conditions, malignancy, and sexually transmitted infections. Initial diagnostic workup may include complete blood count (CBC) with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and consideration for sexually transmitted infection testing based on patient history and risk factors. Depending on the initial workup results, further investigation with imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, and or lymph node biopsy may be warranted. Patient education provided regarding inguinal lymph node causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Follow-up scheduled in [Duration - e.g., one week, two weeks] to reassess and discuss further management based on laboratory and imaging results. ICD-10 code R59.1 (localized lymphadenopathy) is considered pending further diagnostic evaluation.