Left forearm pain diagnosis, causes, and treatment. Explore clinical documentation and medical coding for left forearm pain including ICD-10 codes, CPT codes, and SNOMED CT terms. Find information on differential diagnosis, symptoms, and associated conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, and cubital tunnel syndrome. Learn about diagnostic tests, pain management strategies, and physical therapy for left forearm pain. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking information on left forearm pain.
Also known as
Radiculopathy, unspecified
Nerve pain, possibly in the left forearm, due to nerve root compression.
Epicondylitis
Pain around the elbow, potentially radiating to the left forearm.
Other specified soft tissue disorders
Includes various conditions causing left forearm pain, like tendinitis or muscle strain.
Mononeuropathies of upper limb
Specific nerve disorders affecting the left forearm, causing pain or weakness.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the pain due to trauma/injury?
Yes
Fracture?
No
Radiculopathy/neuritis?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Left forearm pain |
Left forearm strain |
Left forearm tendinitis |
Using unspecified codes like M79.601 (Pain in left upper limb) without documenting the specific cause can lead to claim denials and lost revenue.
Miscoding tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis, M77.11) as left forearm pain without specific documentation of symptoms can result in inaccurate coding.
Lack of documentation supporting medical necessity for tests and procedures related to left forearm pain may trigger audits and compliance issues.
Patient presents with left forearm pain. Onset of pain is described as (acute, subacute, chronic), with duration of (number) daysweeksmonths. Location of pain is specified as (proximal, mid-forearm, distal), (volar, dorsal, radial, ulnar) aspect of the left forearm. Pain quality is reported as (sharp, dull, aching, throbbing, burning, electric). Severity of pain on a numeric rating scale (NRS) of 0-10 is (number). Exacerbating factors include (lifting, gripping, twisting, wrist movement, elbow movement, specific activity). Relieving factors include (rest, ice, heat, elevation, over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Patient denies any numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers. No history of trauma, fracture, or dislocation to the left forearm. Past medical history includes (relevant medical conditions). Medications include (list current medications). Allergies include (list allergies). Physical examination reveals (tenderness to palpation over specific location, range of motion limitations in elbow and wrist, no edema or deformity, intact neurovascular status). Differential diagnosis includes muscle strain, tendonitis, epicondylitis, nerve entrapment, referred pain from cervical spine. Assessment: Left forearm pain, likely musculoskeletal in origin. Plan: Conservative management with rest, ice, compression, elevation. Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen is recommended. Patient education provided regarding activity modification and proper body mechanics. Follow up in (number) weeks if symptoms do not improve. Referral to physical therapy or orthopedics may be considered if symptoms persist or worsen. ICD-10 code: (appropriate ICD-10 code based on assessment).