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M79.632
ICD-10-CM
Left Forearm Pain

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

Pain in Left Forearm
Left Arm Pain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Discomfort or pain affecting the forearm between the elbow and wrist.
  • Clinical Signs : Tenderness, swelling, limited range of motion, numbness or tingling in fingers.
  • Common Settings : Sports injuries, overuse (typing), trauma (falls), nerve compression (carpal tunnel).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M79.632 Coding
M79.1

Radiculopathy, unspecified

Nerve pain, possibly in the left forearm, due to nerve root compression.

M54.2

Epicondylitis

Pain around the elbow, potentially radiating to the left forearm.

M79.89

Other specified soft tissue disorders

Includes various conditions causing left forearm pain, like tendinitis or muscle strain.

G56

Mononeuropathies of upper limb

Specific nerve disorders affecting the left forearm, causing pain or weakness.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left forearm pain
Left forearm strain
Left forearm tendinitis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left forearm pain: Onset, duration, character
  • Location and radiation of forearm pain
  • Aggravating and relieving factors
  • Associated symptoms (e.g., numbness, tingling)
  • Physical exam: ROM, tenderness, neurovascular status

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Pain Code

    Using unspecified codes like M79.601 (Pain in left upper limb) without documenting the specific cause can lead to claim denials and lost revenue.

  • Lateral Epicondylitis

    Miscoding tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis, M77.11) as left forearm pain without specific documentation of symptoms can result in inaccurate coding.

  • Medical Necessity

    Lack of documentation supporting medical necessity for tests and procedures related to left forearm pain may trigger audits and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document laterality, onset, character, radiation, and timing.
  • ICD-10 code specificity: M79.121 (left forearm pain) vs. nonspecific codes.
  • Query provider for clarity if documentation lacks detail for accurate coding.
  • Evaluate for associated conditions like carpal tunnel or epicondylitis.
  • Regularly review documentation for compliance with coding and billing guidelines.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Rule out cardiac causes forearm pain ICD-10 I20-I25
  • Assess for trauma or fracture ICD-10 S42.2-
  • Median nerve compression symptoms documentation
  • Palpate for tenderness point document location
  • Consider EMG NCS if symptoms persist 7+ days

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Forearm Pain: ICD-10 M79.604, CPT 99213-99215 (Evaluation and Management). Proper coding ensures accurate reimbursement.
  • Coding accuracy impacts RVU assignment, affecting physician compensation and hospital revenue cycle management.
  • Accurate diagnosis coding (M79.604) is crucial for quality reporting and public health surveillance.
  • Specificity in laterality (left) improves data analysis for treatment efficacy and resource allocation.

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: left forearm
  • Document pain specifics
  • Rule out referred pain
  • Consider nerve entrapment
  • Check for trauma history

Documentation Templates

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).