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R59.1
ICD-10-CM
Inguinal Lymphadenopathy

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

Groin Lymphadenopathy
Inguinal Node Enlargement

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Swollen lymph nodes in the groin, often indicating infection or less commonly, malignancy.
  • Clinical Signs : Tender, enlarged nodes in the groin. May be accompanied by pain, redness, or skin changes.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, urgent care, infectious disease, oncology, dermatology.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R59.1 Coding
R22.3

Localized swelling, lymph nodes inguinal

Swelling confined to lymph nodes in the groin.

I88.81

Nonspecific lymphadenitis, inguinal

Inflammation of inguinal lymph nodes, cause unspecified.

R59.1

Lymphadenopathy, localized

Enlarged lymph nodes in a specific area, possibly inguinal.

R59.8

Other specified enlarged lymph nodes

Lymph node enlargement not classified elsewhere, could be inguinal.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Swollen groin lymph nodes
Femoral hernia
Inguinal hernia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Laterality (unilateral, bilateral)
  • Location (inguinal chain)
  • Size of lymph nodes (mm)
  • Associated symptoms (pain, redness)
  • Related diagnoses (infection, malignancy)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding inguinal lymphadenopathy without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data reporting.

  • Missing Etiology

    Failing to document the underlying cause of lymphadenopathy (infection, malignancy, etc.) impacts accurate coding, CDI, and quality metrics.

  • Generalized vs. Localized

    Incorrectly coding localized inguinal lymphadenopathy as generalized lymphadenopathy affects reimbursement and clinical documentation integrity.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough physical exam: palpation, size, location (ICD-10 R59.1, CDI)
  • Document infection signs: redness, warmth, tenderness (SNOMED CT 367449008)
  • Consider imaging if needed: ultrasound, CT (CPT 76881, 76700)
  • Evaluate for STD risk factors: sexual history, testing (ICD-10 A65-A64, HIPAA)
  • Rule out malignancy: biopsy if suspicious (ICD-10 C77.1-C81.9, CDI)

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Palpable nodes in inguinal region? ICD-10 R59.1, Document size, location
  • Assess for infection, malignancy. SNOMED CT 78048006
  • Consider STD testing if sexually active. Document risk factors
  • Evaluate for lower extremity source. Document exam findings
  • Correlate labs, imaging. Ultrasound if needed. Patient education

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Inguinal Lymphadenopathy reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (R59.1, other codes if specific cause identified) linking to supporting documentation for optimal payment.
  • Quality metrics impact: Lymphadenopathy diagnosis necessitates thorough evaluation and documentation impacting case mix index and potentially hospital-acquired infection reporting if related.
  • Coding accuracy crucial: Miscoded as nonspecific lymphadenopathy (R59.9) can lead to lower reimbursement. Specificity is key.
  • Physician documentation impacts severity level and influences hospital reporting on patient complexity and resource utilization related to lymphadenopathy workup.

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
  • Code laterality (R/L/bilateral)
  • Specify size, location
  • Document infection source if known
  • Consider lymphadenitis codes
  • Rule out malignancy if indicated

Documentation Templates

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.