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N64.4
ICD-10-CM
Left Breast Pain

Find information on left breast pain diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, SNOMED CT), differential diagnosis, and common symptoms. Explore resources for healthcare professionals regarding mastalgia, breast pain treatment, and left breast pain causes. Learn about evaluating breast pain, including physical examination and diagnostic imaging. Understand the importance of accurate medical coding for left sided breast pain and related conditions.

Also known as

Mastodynia
Non-cyclical Mastalgia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Discomfort or other abnormal sensation in the left breast.
  • Clinical Signs : Tenderness, swelling, burning, aching, tightness, or nipple changes.
  • Common Settings : Cyclical hormonal changes, musculoskeletal pain, breast infection (mastitis), or rarely, cancer.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC N64.4 Coding
N50-N54

Diseases of female genital organs

Includes breast pain related to female reproductive system disorders.

R52

Pain, not elsewhere classified

Covers unspecified pain, including cases where breast pain has no other diagnosis.

M79.89

Other specified musculoskeletal disorders

May include breast pain caused by musculoskeletal issues like chest wall pain.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the left breast pain related to pregnancy, childbirth, or lactation?

  • Yes

    Is pain due to engorgement?

  • No

    Is pain related to a specific lesion or mass?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left breast pain
Left breast mastitis
Left breast cyst

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left breast pain: Onset, duration, character
  • Location, radiation of left breast pain
  • Associated symptoms (e.g., nipple discharge, skin changes)
  • Physical exam findings: Left breast palpation, lymph nodes
  • Relevant medical history, medications, family history

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding left breast pain without specifying laterality can lead to inaccurate reimbursement and data analysis.

  • Symptom vs. Diagnosis

    Coding pain without underlying diagnosis documentation may be rejected and require physician clarification.

  • Unclear Etiology

    Lack of documentation specifying cause (e.g., musculoskeletal, cyclical mastalgia) can hinder accurate coding and quality reporting.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough HPI: Document pain onset, location, character for ICD-10 accuracy.
  • Rule out cardiac causes: ECG, cardiac enzymes per AHA guidelines for compliance.
  • Palpation: Assess for masses, tenderness. Document findings for E/M coding.
  • Imaging: Mammogram, ultrasound if indicated. Correlate with clinical findings.
  • Consider hormonal factors: Menstrual cycle, HRT. Optimize SNOMED CT coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify laterality: Left breast confirmed?
  • Document pain characteristics: Onset, duration, type
  • Exclude cardiac cause: ECG if indicated
  • Palpate for masses, tenderness: Document findings
  • Consider imaging if clinically warranted: US/Mammo

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Breast Pain: ICD-10 N64.4, optimize coding for accurate reimbursement.
  • Coding accuracy impacts breast pain claims processing, avoid denials.
  • Quality metrics: Patient satisfaction scores, pain management reporting.
  • Hospital reporting: Track N64.4 for resource allocation, trend analysis.

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 N64.4 for unspecified left breast pain
  • Rule out cardiac causes, document clearly
  • Consider laterality, specify 'left'
  • Document pain characteristics for specificity
  • Add modifiers for pain type, e.g., cyclical

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a chief complaint of left breast pain (mastodynia, left breast discomfort).  The pain is described as [character of pain: sharp, dull, aching, burning, throbbing, etc.] and located in the [location of pain: upper outer quadrant, lower inner quadrant, nipple area, diffuse, etc.] of the left breast.  Onset of pain was [onset: gradual, sudden] [duration: days, weeks, months] ago.  Patient reports [frequency: constant, intermittent, cyclical] pain with [exacerbating factors: movement, palpation, certain activities, menstrual cycle] and [relieving factors: rest, medication, heat/cold therapy].  The pain is rated as [pain scale: 0-10] in severity.  Review of systems includes [relevant positives and negatives:  nipple discharge, skin changes, lumps, masses, family history of breast cancer, hormonal changes, recent trauma, current medications].  Physical examination reveals [breast exam findings: tenderness to palpation in [location], no palpable masses, no skin changes, no nipple discharge, normal axillary lymph nodes].  Assessment: Left breast pain (mastalgia), likely [differential diagnoses: cyclical mastalgia, non-cyclical mastalgia, musculoskeletal pain, costochondritis, fibrocystic breast changes, etc.].  Plan:  [diagnostic tests if indicated: mammogram, ultrasound, clinical breast exam].  Patient education provided regarding breast self-exam, lifestyle modifications [e.g., supportive bra, pain management techniques], and follow-up care.  Patient will be prescribed [medications if indicated: NSAIDs, topical analgesics].  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to reassess symptoms and discuss further management if needed.  Diagnosis codes: [ICD-10 codes for left breast pain, e.g., N50.1].